Chickens losing feathers

[martin1b]

I have two chickens that are missing feathers. The Rhode Island Red is missing feathers on her back (see image). It also looks slightly irritated.

Also, the other is missing feathers around her neck. This happened pretty abruptly as I haven't noticed it until today and see them daily.(see image)

I've noticed another is missing feathers by her rear end.

Is the rooster doing this?

 

[MissNutmeg]

I have two chickens that are missing feathers. The Rhode Island Red is missing feathers on her back (see image). It also looks slightly irritated.

Also, the other is missing feathers around her neck. This happened pretty abruptly as I haven't noticed it until today and see them daily.(see image)

I've noticed another is missing feathers by her rear end.

Is the rooster doing this?

They are most likely to be molting...


~meg

 

[MissNutmeg]

And welcome to byc!

 

[MillersFarm]

The white one looks like she/he is dealing with mites, But the brown one looks as though the rooster has been mounting her a little too much... How many roosters do you have and how many hens?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @martin1b Welcome To BYC

The RIR looks like feather loss from mating. The white one, could have neck feather loss from mating as well (rooster holds on to neck).

Check them over for lice/mites just to be sure and consider getting him more hens, separating him for a while or putting saddles on your ladies. Feather loss from mating usually will not come back in until they go through their yearly molt.

Another thing to look for - especially the white one - look to see if anyone is plucking her, especially at night while roosting. Sometimes those sweet hens during the day turn to pluckers on the roosting bars at night.

 

[sassysarah]

The red one has definitely been mated to much. The white one looks to have lice or mites, which if she does, chances are the rest do too.
Watch This To Treat Her.

 

[martin1b]

The white one looks like she/he is dealing with mites, But the brown one looks as though the rooster has been mounting her a little too much... How many roosters do you have and how many hens?

I have 1 rooster, 9 hens.

 

[MillersFarm]

That should be fine for the hens... But most roosters have their 'favorites' and tend to mate with that one more then others.. I'd keep an eye on her and if you see the rooster on top of her kick em' off. Try to be the top rooster around hi and well for the mites i'd treat the hen and the coop for mites before the rest get mites as well..

 

[sassysarah]

By the way,

 

[rdadams88]

The red one has definitely been mated to much. The white one looks to have lice or mites, which if she does, chances are the rest do too.
Watch This To Treat Her.

Thank you for this video!! I think I know what the problem is! I have 11 chickens and about 8 of them have been affected with the mites. I have been using the diatomaceous earth but not liberally enough. Any idea of how long it will take for the chickens to grow their feathers back?