Hi!
So one of my Chantecler hens, Athena, has developed really curly feathers as she’s gotten older, mostly on her rump, bottom of her neck and wing coverts.
Here is what her feathers look like as of today:
vs What she looked like when I first got her (she is one of the two in the middle):
Her feathers weren’t always curly, and they’ve gotten progressively ‘worse’ over time. She’s not exhibiting any other symptoms. She’s had EYP twice in the past and is currently on an implant, as are my other hens.
The thing is, I’m not really convinced it’s a nutritional deficiency or mites because my other hens are perfectly fine and they eat the exact same thing and they have access to diatomaceous earth for bathing. They eat a commercial feed produced locally as well as a daily seed mix, mealworms, greens, and access to grass when there’s no snow.
My other hens and roo compared to Athena (far right):
She honestly looks like a frizzle cross (which she’s not supposed to be, not that I care). Has anyone seen a nutritional deficiency present like this?
The other thing I noticed, when looking back at older photos, is that the hen I believe to be her clutch mate (Rue) seemed to be developing it too. Unfortunately Rue was euthanized due to EYP last year, but maybe it could be genetic?
Here is Rue (front most hen, note slightly curly rump feathers):
Thoughts and advice would be appreciated!
So one of my Chantecler hens, Athena, has developed really curly feathers as she’s gotten older, mostly on her rump, bottom of her neck and wing coverts.
Here is what her feathers look like as of today:
vs What she looked like when I first got her (she is one of the two in the middle):
Her feathers weren’t always curly, and they’ve gotten progressively ‘worse’ over time. She’s not exhibiting any other symptoms. She’s had EYP twice in the past and is currently on an implant, as are my other hens.
The thing is, I’m not really convinced it’s a nutritional deficiency or mites because my other hens are perfectly fine and they eat the exact same thing and they have access to diatomaceous earth for bathing. They eat a commercial feed produced locally as well as a daily seed mix, mealworms, greens, and access to grass when there’s no snow.
My other hens and roo compared to Athena (far right):
She honestly looks like a frizzle cross (which she’s not supposed to be, not that I care). Has anyone seen a nutritional deficiency present like this?
The other thing I noticed, when looking back at older photos, is that the hen I believe to be her clutch mate (Rue) seemed to be developing it too. Unfortunately Rue was euthanized due to EYP last year, but maybe it could be genetic?
Here is Rue (front most hen, note slightly curly rump feathers):
Thoughts and advice would be appreciated!
