3chickenfriends
In the Brooder
- Jul 1, 2016
- 35
- 2
- 26
Hello, recently I noticed 2 of my chickens losing their feathers. Of course I just assumed their molting but my speckled sussex hen has been losing some of her more major feathers like visible ones on her wings so you can just see the beginning of the feathers beneath the lost ones while my barred rock appeared to be done losing a few small feathers. The sussex's comb also isn't that bold red color anymore but not really concerning pale. I researched that slight paling of the comb is common during molting. Honestly, I've never researched chicken molting very much and I just got a general idea of molting from my mother so I'm not 100% sure my sussex is molting (the pictures online seem to be very graphic and my 2 year old chickens have never looked so bare).
The sussex also appears to be constantly reaching back and scratching herself and some feathers come out when that happens. She hasn't laid an egg in a while she's not our strongest though by the way. On the other hand I went away for the weekend and was sitting down with all 3 hens earlier and they all were roosting and pecking at themselves like between their legs, on their backs, and under their wings. They aren't lethargic and have regular diets, and besides the sussex, aren't losing A LOT of feathers (just the usual) and are pooping normally, there are no worms or anything odd in it. Although, they haven't been wormed. I wouldn't even know where they would pick up worms or any sort of parasite since the area I live just has trees around the property lines so no real animals besides squirrels and little birds. Given that, I am also quite paranoid when it comes to these behavioral things but I just want happy healthy hens. Any thoughts on what's happening with the pecking, the sussex's situation, where parasites come from and if it only affects certain locations, and prevention for the future is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
-3chickenfriends
The sussex also appears to be constantly reaching back and scratching herself and some feathers come out when that happens. She hasn't laid an egg in a while she's not our strongest though by the way. On the other hand I went away for the weekend and was sitting down with all 3 hens earlier and they all were roosting and pecking at themselves like between their legs, on their backs, and under their wings. They aren't lethargic and have regular diets, and besides the sussex, aren't losing A LOT of feathers (just the usual) and are pooping normally, there are no worms or anything odd in it. Although, they haven't been wormed. I wouldn't even know where they would pick up worms or any sort of parasite since the area I live just has trees around the property lines so no real animals besides squirrels and little birds. Given that, I am also quite paranoid when it comes to these behavioral things but I just want happy healthy hens. Any thoughts on what's happening with the pecking, the sussex's situation, where parasites come from and if it only affects certain locations, and prevention for the future is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
-3chickenfriends