breast feather plucking

[Carol1948]

Ever since the heat hit - 2 of my ISA Hens gave been plucking their breasts bald constantly -- the other hens are fine. I would think if it were a bug problem they would all be plucking right ?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Some wear them off sitting in the nestboxes, some pluck them for better egg contact, others don't do any of that. It is an individual thing.

 

[aart]

I would think if it were a bug problem they would all be plucking right ?

Not always. Some seem to attract more bugs than others, they can also react differently to having bugs.

Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

If you do find some, I recommend using permethrin dust or spray...don't screw around with DE or herbs.