Are these feathers normal?

[Brahmababe]

Im concerned about the feathers on my hens back, they look dishevelled and as though they might be uncomfortable for her. I'm wondering if something is wrong as she's not a great layer either, we probably get 1 or 2 eggs a week maximum, which is fine but I'd like to know if I need to do anything to improve her wellbeing.

I've only kept chickens for a few years, and these are my first brahma hens, and the grey ones feathers have been like this for as long as I can remember. But the fluffy patch seems to be getting bigger, slowly.

I've treated them for worms, red mite and lice but I'm not sure a). if this is normal presentation (I don't think it is!) and b). what could be causing it? Could it be from having lice and she now needs to moult these feathers before they can be replaced or is this simply how she looks?

Please help/advise.

I've also contacted the breeder but not yet had a response. I think both hens are bantam brahma's but the breeder was away when I bought them and the hired help wasn't able to guarantee the breed, either bantam or full size.

Thanks.

 

[Brahmababe]

I also forgot to say that underneath her wings, where the tip of the feather tucks into her body, she's bald on both sides. But has feathers under the main body of the wings.

 

[Sally PB]

Could she possibly have had a lavender parent? The lavender color feather is known for "shredding," and looks like that. I had a lavender hen and her feathers shredded as time went on. Then she'd molt, get new ones, and look lovely. For awhile, anyway.

The shredding is genetic, I believe.

 

[Brahmababe]

Thank you Sally, it's quite possible as I have no idea of her heritage as the breeder wasn't home when I bought her, I don't even know what colour she's classed as, but she's very pretty! That's very interesting about the shredding, I didn't know about that so I'll look into it, thank you.

 

[Logar]

Those aren’t pure Brahmas. Pure Brahmas have pea combs. They do remind me of some Isabel Brahmas I have seen though. Lavender birds do have a high chance of getting the feather shredding gene from what I understand but I am not positive if that applies to all lavenders or just certain breeds