5 month old chickens molting already?

[tpeila]

We got 5 month old chickens. Are they still getting feathers? Molting? Is this normal?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67876534@N00/5941162005
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67876534@N00/5941160923

 

[LarryPQ]

The pictures are not clear enough to see what the problem is. Perhaps a new pic, or you can describe the problem in detail?

 

[tpeila]

Theirs back where tails feathers would be is bear. One almost looks like dry skin. Not sure if they have ever gotten feathers there and lost them because we just got them today

 

[LarryPQ]

I am sorry, but I am not sure what you are saying.

If they are bare where there should be tail feathers, they may still be growing them in. They may have been in poor housing, and eaten each other's feathers. They could also have lice or mites, which could cause the feathers to fall out.

 

[tpeila]

Quote:
What do live and mites look like?

 

[LarryPQ]

like little scurrying bugs. If you do a search in the forum, you'll find way more pictures than you ever, ever wanted to see.

 

[galanie]

And by the way, I've noticed most of mine have a minor molt at around 4-5 months. Some do seem to run around with no tail for a bit. Or even just one or two tail feathers till the new ones grow in. My cockerel is there now. He has two beautiful tail feathers haha poor boy.