Ameraucana isn't growing her beard back

[Average Flock]

I have a purebred Ameraucana hen who will be two in march. She molted sometime in the spring and her beard has not grown back. She does not show any signs of new feathers, and I have not seen and picking going on, although that still could be the case. Does anyone have any experience with this? What have you done to help her?

 

[sourland]

Generally the loss of muffs/beards in fowl are the result of feather plucking by a flockmate/mates.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

I used to have three Amerucanas and some of the flock thought that it would be very nice to pluck their beards clean. Some chickens have OCD and can't stand the sight of a new feather growing.

 

[willchickeneat]

I sometime ferment my feed. I've notice that if any feed get stuck in their beards, their buddies will pick at their beards. My 1.5 hens lost their beard in Spring due to picking, but after molt it grew back. However, I do give them a lot of protein and black oil sunflower seeds. Always up protein if you need feathers to grow back. There is also featherfixer feed you can try to see if there is a difference. Not sure how big your flock is. The smaller, the least likely for picking as well. Penning same breed may lessen feather picking as well. I cull bad behavior birds, so if I have a bully or egg eater, out it goes. Not worth the drama.

 

[CHlCKEN]

Can we see pictures? That could confirm feather picking.

Maybe she just needed help shaving

 

[Average Flock]

The last picture is the most recent. She is with six other hens including and Easter Egger who we have no problems with her beard, however she is also higher up in the peaking order. All of our birds receive layer pellets, whoever I have noticed in the past her beard wet is prone to food sticking.

 

[aart]

I have noticed in the past her beard wet is prone to food sticking.

Which would 'encourage' pecking/preening/foraging.
It's a habit, have seen it here. Usually stops after molt, but not always.