chickens lossing feathers

[ericmcginn5]

i have 5 brown sex links i went camping for the weekend and i came back and there was feathers all over the coop all the chickens are still there so they werent attacket. i picked one up and 5 more feathers fell of. and they havent layed in a couple days are they molting or attacking each other

 

[ilovechickensx]

Hi there!

Sounds like they are moulting if you're picking them up and feathers are falling out Mine usually moult later summer to winter time, but occasionally get the odd ball that moults whenever she feels like it. They use a lot of energy when moulting so usually go off lay.

Give them a good check over for any mites/lice just in case, and keep a watchful eye for any feather plucking, but sounds like a moult to me.

 

[ericmcginn5]

ok thank you the only thing is i dont think they are all lossing feathers

 

[ericmcginn5]

they have mites how long after i treat them wil they start layying