Bare chest with scabs

[acermaximus]

I have a 1yo chicken who molted a little, but has not grown back any feathers on chest. She is not broody and lays every day. Have not noticed mites, but am still new to this. Other chickens don't seem to have this.

 

[FowlProtector]

It’s great that your chicken is still laying every day and not broody! If she hasn't grown back any feathers on her chest after molting, it could be a couple of things. Here are some possible causes:

1. Feather Pecking: Sometimes, chickens will peck at each other, especially in the chest area, and it can lead to missing feathers. Even if you don't see aggressive behavior, subtle pecking can cause this. It's worth observing her closely, especially when they're interacting with each other.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies: Molting can put a strain on a chicken’s body, and if she’s not getting enough protein or essential nutrients, it might delay feather regrowth. Make sure her diet includes enough protein and calcium, and consider adding a higher-protein supplement during molting.
3. Hormonal Imbalance: If her molt was irregular or the chest feathers aren’t growing back, it might be a hormonal issue. This is less common but worth considering.
4. Health Issues: While you've not noticed mites, other parasites or skin infections could be at play. Sometimes chickens will have issues that aren’t immediately obvious, so a closer inspection of the skin or a fecal test by a vet could help rule out any health problems.

If none of your other chickens are showing similar issues and she's otherwise healthy, I would suggest continuing to monitor her. If her feather loss doesn't improve in a few weeks or if you notice any changes in behavior or laying, it might be worth consulting a vet.
Have you noticed any other signs like changes in behavior, appetite, or skin irritation?

 

[FowlProtector]

I have a 1yo chicken who molted a little, but has not grown back any feathers on chest. She is not broody and lays every day. Have not noticed mites, but am still new to this. Other chickens don't seem to have this.

It’s great that your chicken is still laying every day and not broody! If she hasn't grown back any feathers on her chest after molting, it could be a couple of things. Here are some possible causes:

1. Feather Pecking: Sometimes, chickens will peck at each other, especially in the chest area, and it can lead to missing feathers. Even if you don't see aggressive behavior, subtle pecking can cause this. It's worth observing her closely, especially when they're interacting with each other.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies: Molting can put a strain on a chicken’s body, and if she’s not getting enough protein or essential nutrients, it might delay feather regrowth. Make sure her diet includes enough protein and calcium, and consider adding a higher-protein supplement during molting.
3. Hormonal Imbalance: If her molt was irregular or the chest feathers aren’t growing back, it might be a hormonal issue. This is less common but worth considering.
4. Health Issues: While you've not noticed mites, other parasites or skin infections could be at play. Sometimes chickens will have issues that aren’t immediately obvious, so a closer inspection of the skin or a fecal test by a vet could help rule out any health problems.

If none of your other chickens are showing similar issues and she's otherwise healthy, I would suggest continuing to monitor her. If her feather loss doesn't improve in a few weeks or if you notice any changes in behavior or laying, it might be worth consulting a vet.
Have you noticed any other signs like changes in behavior, appetite, or skin irritation?

 

[FowlProtector]

Here are some tips to help your 1-year-old chicken with her feather regrowth and overall health:

1. Provide Extra Protein​

• Chickens need extra protein during molt to regrow feathers. You can offer high-protein treats like mealworms, scrambled eggs, or higher-protein feed to help her out.
• Consider switching to a higher-protein layer feed (16-20%) during the molt, or you can supplement with a mix of flock raiser or grower feed.

2. Ensure Balanced Nutrition​

• Make sure she has access to a well-balanced feed that includes not only protein but also vitamins and minerals essential for feather health.
• You could try adding oyster shell (for calcium) and flock block or other vitamins, especially those that support skin and feathers (like biotin or vitamin E).

3. Monitor for Stress or Pecking​

• Check to make sure she isn’t being bullied or pecked by the other chickens. If this is the case, you might need to separate her for a while or add distractions like extra perches, hiding spots, or a few more things to forage on.
• If feather pecking is occurring, you can try using pecking prevention collars or products that discourage pecking, though some chickens tolerate them better than others.

4. Check for Skin or Feather Health​

• Inspect her chest area closely for any signs of irritation, skin conditions, or potential parasites (mites, lice, etc.). Gently part the feathers around the area and check the skin for redness or bumps.
• If mites or lice are suspected, you could treat the flock with a safe poultry dust or diatomaceous earth, but if you're unsure, a vet can confirm this.

5. Maintain a Stress-Free Environment​

• Minimize stress for your chickens by keeping the coop clean, maintaining proper space, and ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Make sure she has a quiet, comfortable place to rest. Stress can hinder feather regrowth and overall health.

6. Patience​

• Feather regrowth takes time. Depending on the chicken and the molt, it can take several weeks to months for feathers to fully grow back. Be patient, but keep monitoring her condition.

7. Provide Access to Sunlight​

• Sunlight can help with vitamin D production, which supports feather health. If possible, let your chickens spend time outside during the day. If it's cold, make sure they still get enough daylight through a window or light source.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have a 1yo chicken who molted a little, but has not grown back any feathers on chest. She is not broody and lays every day. Have not noticed mites, but am still new to this. Other chickens don't seem to have this.

@acermaximus Welcome To BYC

It looks like she has the beginnings of some breast blisters which are not that uncommon. Check your roosting bars to make sure they are smooth, usually breast scabs/blisters are on the skin where a hen puts the most pressure while roosting.

She's got worn feathers underneath her. They are rubbed off, probably from roosting and getting into/out of nesting boxes, sometimes you see this with heavy layers.


If she's eating/drinking and active, interacting with her flock o.k., then I'd just monitor her.

Rubbed off and worn feathers will not be replaced until molt, so no amount of changing up feed, providing supplements, etc., will fix the bareness.

 

[acermaximus]

It’s great that your chicken is still laying every day and not broody! If she hasn't grown back any feathers on her chest after molting, it could be a couple of things. Here are some possible causes:

1. Feather Pecking: Sometimes, chickens will peck at each other, especially in the chest area, and it can lead to missing feathers. Even if you don't see aggressive behavior, subtle pecking can cause this. It's worth observing her closely, especially when they're interacting with each other.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies: Molting can put a strain on a chicken’s body, and if she’s not getting enough protein or essential nutrients, it might delay feather regrowth. Make sure her diet includes enough protein and calcium, and consider adding a higher-protein supplement during molting.
3. Hormonal Imbalance: If her molt was irregular or the chest feathers aren’t growing back, it might be a hormonal issue. This is less common but worth considering.
4. Health Issues: While you've not noticed mites, other parasites or skin infections could be at play. Sometimes chickens will have issues that aren’t immediately obvious, so a closer inspection of the skin or a fecal test by a vet could help rule out any health problems.

If none of your other chickens are showing similar issues and she's otherwise healthy, I would suggest continuing to monitor her. If her feather loss doesn't improve in a few weeks or if you notice any changes in behavior or laying, it might be worth consulting a vet.
Have you noticed any other signs like changes in behavior, appetite, or skin irritation?

She seems to be eating normally. I will monitor and give more treats.