chicken losing LOTS of feathers

[sandyr]

One of my 3 chickens is losing lots of feathers, especially around her neck and rump. Does not appear that the others are pecking at her. Because of the feather loss, she looks very skinny, but I know she is eating. Heard I can dust her for mites, since this may just be her first "molting" of her life. Any advice would be most appreciated. The weather here is in the teens and I know shes got to be cold, even though she's got a snuggly coop with lots of bedding around her. Thanks!

 

[HobbyChickener]

Is there are Rooster there? If so he is probably the cause. If not you might try dusting for mites.

 

[jjthink]

If she seems otherwise well (and even a bit lower energy), she may indeed just be molting, as illogical as that seems with weather that cold. If she is kept warm, she should be okay. Extra protein is said to help with feather growth and could help her get through molting more easily. Soon you should see new feathers begin to poke out........

There is also the chance of mites.....
JJ

 

[ksacres]

sounds like molting to me. Some hens do it gradually, some hens get that "plucked" look. I'll try to get a pic of my hen that's molting. She looks like a drowned rat.

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

Check out our golden laced: She is in the middle of this picture (standing on the board):

This is her during her molt:

That's loosing a LOT of feathers!

 

[peeps7]

 

[ksacres]

yes, but the ones that molt like that usually get back to laying the fastest, even though they look horrible!

Catfood and sunflower seeds would be my recommendation!

 

[ksacres]

Oh, and Nifty- That is one FUNKY chicken