Constant molt - brittle, deformed feathers!

[JerseyGiantGal]

My 7 year old Java-Buckeye cross, Corva, has been molting for at least the past 18 months. I know it's not a real molt, but can't think of how to describe it. Out of 21 birds she is the only one like this. She eats fine, poops normal (she does not lay), and she acts normal. No one is picking at her and she is not the rooster's favorite. She is not doing this to herself. She does not have mites. She used to have beautiful, glossy black normal feathers, but now she's all keratin sheaths all the time. The feathers grow in somewhat curled, and they are brittle and break - most of them are just the feather shaft and nothing else. I can make her a sweater for winter warmth, but I'd really like to know what's causing this, as I can tell she is not comfortable. Praying it's nutritional and someone here will have some experience with it.

 

[Tookie]

What do they eat? Any treats?

 

[JerseyGiantGal]

What do they eat? Any treats?

They get layer ration most of the time, plus a flock block and scratch. They also get lots of kitchen scraps.

 

[SmiYa0126]

They get layer ration most of the time, plus a flock block and scratch. They also get lots of kitchen scraps.

I would cut out the scratch and the flock block and add an all flock feed, she needs more protein. She's may be over indulging in treats. Try it for a month to see if there's improvement.

 

[Tookie]

They get layer ration most of the time, plus a flock block and scratch. They also get lots of kitchen scraps.

Do what @SmiYa0126 said.

 

[artbykarenehaley]

Has Corva's feather growth changed?

 

[artbykarenehaley]

Is this possibly what wing patch is? A defect that causes feathers to grow in strangely and not de-sheath?
@azygous @Wyorp Rock do you know,or know any one who knows about genetics

 

[azygous]

I've never heard of wing patch. I have, however, had a hen who displayed deformed feathers growing in from a molt while carrying lymphoid leucosis.

 

[JerseyGiantGal]

Poor Corva looks the same as ever. I made her a little coat because it has gotten really cold lately.

 

[janiedoe]

Poor Corva looks the same as ever. I made her a little coat because it has gotten really cold lately.View attachment 3296702

The look on her face is priceless!