Balding bird?!

[hensofburgoyne]

I have a buff Minorca (Gretchen) and a chantecler (Henrietta), both about a year and a half old. Gretchen’s always been a steady layer, but hasn’t produced for a week. I figured either seasonal changes (weathers been funky here) or Henrietta has been keeping her off the best (Henrietta never lays but has been doing so consistently).

Yesterday I go out to check on my girls and there’s feathers EVERYWHERE. I figure maybe Gretchen been off laying and is going thru a late molt. Bit strange, but I’ll keep an eye out.

Just went to put them to bed and Gretchen’s got huge bald spots. The amount of feathers everywhere is insane. I picked her up to inspect and feathers just came off in puffs.

Henrietta is fine, and I see no evidence of mites. I’ve never seen feather loss like this and really am afraid we’re going to lose her. She has no incoming feathers and it’s gonna start getting cold soon. I don’t have a place to winter her indoors.

There have been pecking incidents in the past, but this seems far too severe for that. Any ideas?

 

[Eggcessive]

At 18 months, that is about the right time for a yearly molt. The loss of feathers in the coop may be normal. You can post pictures. Most chickens do not lay eggs during molting, and may not eat as wel or may be aloof. Keep an eye on them to make sure they are eating and drinking.

 

[hensofburgoyne]

If she had incoming feathers, I’d agree. But the bald patches have no incoming feathers so I’m concerned.

If it is just mounting, any recommendations for diet supplementation? Right now they get layer pellets and veggie/fruit scraps.

 

[Mary's Backyard Chickens]

It's probably molting....
Around this time of year they molt.

Sometimes it takes them a while to grow new feathers back in bald areas.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

If the feathers don't come back in a month or two, try Rogaine for Chickens.

 

[junebuggena]

It's molting. I've had hens go from being fully feathered in the morning to nearly bald in an afternoon. Protein will help grow in the new feathers quickly.

 

[hensofburgoyne]

Oh thank goodness. Protein diet for them then!

Thanks!

 

[Smuvers Farm]

Oh thank goodness. Protein diet for them then!

Thanks!

Scrambled eggs, boiled eggs smashed still with the shell are good. Tuna, alfalfa, hemp, flaxseed. Also very good sources of protein.

 

[Machineryqueen]

Scrambled eggs, boiled eggs smashed still with the shell are good. Tuna, alfalfa, hemp, flaxseed. Also very good sources of protein.

Flaxseed? That is interesting as I just purchased some with dried fruit in it for myself as it is supposed to be super healthy. Tastes like sawdust and you have to have a glass of water to get a Tablespoon of it down! Guess it will go to the birds!

 

[twilightgecko]

some go thru a HARD MOLT and drop feathers fast.. my coop currently looks like a chicken exploded .. so many feathers.. and my black australorp looks like a balding buzzard.. goofy thing..