Chickens molting? Or something else?

[gannon659]

My 3 new hens that I got have very few feathers. The person who gave them to me says they are molting. So I took them. I researched some more and it says that 6 months is way too early to molt and that the hens shouldn't be laying when they molt. So I'm just looking for information.

 

[Pyxis]

Poor babies They were likely kept in very overcrowded conditions and what you're seeing is the result of other birds plucking their feathers. You see that a lot in ex battery birds. Given time they should grow back in. You might want to put them on a feather fixer feed to help them out and provide them the extra protein they need to grow new feathers.

You could also give them a dusting for lice and mites just in case.

 

[gannon659]

Thanks I'll try that, I feel bad for them. Should I separate them from my roosters? And where can I buy this special feed?

 

[Pyxis]

Thanks I'll try that, I feel bad for them. Should I separate them from my roosters? And where can I buy this special feed?

Separating from the roosters may be best until their feathers are back in because while mating the roosters may damage the new feathers as they try to grow in. You could also get them some hen saddles if you want to give them some protection from the elements until their feathers are back.

You can probably find feather fixer at a feed store; I know my local Tractor Supply carries it. Alternatively you could get them chick feed and just offer oyster shell free choice separately.