Does anyone know what this is?

[MCO]

Hi I just noticed white flakey stuff on the back neck feathers of my chickens. The white stuff doesn't move so I don't think it's lice but it goes down the hair strand. I see this on two chickens clearly but my third is white so hard to tell. Anyone know what this is and how to treat it? Thank you!

 

[tlcmurphy]

I believe those are feather sheaths from new feathers growing in. Is the bird molting?

 

[Perris]

it's the waxy sheath on new feathers; completely normal. You will find masses of it under their roosts when they really get going. Birds find it difficult to remove from bits of their bodies that they can't preen themselves, and rely on each other to help it off and let the feather inside unfurl.

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

looks like a part of the feather. they grow like that, then they rub their necks on things or get a flock member to help break the white things and free the feathers. it's a natural part of their life cycle.

 

[MCO]

I believe those are feather sheaths from new feathers growing in. Is the bird molting?

Ahhhh I think so I see some feathers in the coop

 

[MCO]

looks like a part of the feather. they grow like that, then they rub their necks on things or get a flock member to help break the white things and free the feathers. it's a natural part of their life cycle.

awesome thank you!!

 

[tlcmurphy]

Ahhhh I think so I see some feathers in the coop

Eventually the coop will look like they had a pillow fight