Anyone seen this before?

[kgriffith]

Have been noticing that my easter eggers feathers have been looking ratty lately and now I saw this today. I am not sure if this hen is laying or not but I do know that one of the two is. She is 9 months old so should not be molting.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Cat Water]

Do you know how to check for mites? They can cause feather loss.

 

[sourland]

That looks very much like someone might be feather plucking. I have actually seen a rooster stand there stoically while his "girls" plucked and ate feathers from the lower part of his neck. I couldn't help thinking, "Typical of the treatment we guys get."

 

[EmtheFishLady]

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I guess he's "Henpecked"!

 

[sourland]

Yes he and we are "henpecked". Therein lies the coining of the phrase.

 

[EmtheFishLady]

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Now my husband isn't Henpecked.

He's spoiled. When he gets home at night I have his dinner ready and give him a massage. He deserves it for spoiling me so much.

 

[kgriffith]

I dont know if it is feather plucking or not. Could it be a molt starting? I have 5 hens. 2 easter eggers and 3 black star hens. The easter eggers both look a little ratty but this one in particular looks the worst.

 

[EmtheFishLady]

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It looks like plucking to me.

 

[kgriffith]

I was watching them and I think your right. What can I do to stop it?

 

[EmtheFishLady]

Never had a chicken plucking. With my pet birds I used "Pluck no more" worked really well. Someone with experience with that will be along shortly.