Does this look pest related, or is it molting?

[Kiki]

You may want to, yes.

I agree. What are you feeding them?

 

[nuthatched]

I agree. What are you feeding them?

It's 20% of some sort.

 

[sophiehatter1057]

I agree. What are you feeding them?

They are getting a 20% protein crumble feed

 

[Project Blue]

I'm going to say mites, not feather plucking. Look at pictures of mite infected chickens online and it'll look very similar to your bird. I don't know, maybe my chickens are more vicious but there tends to be scabby bloodied areas on a picked on chickens. There's a powder you can dust the chicks with, at just about any feed store.

 

[sophiehatter1057]

I'm going to say mites, not feather plucking. Look at pictures of mite infected chickens online and it'll look very similar to your bird. I don't know, maybe my chickens are more vicious but there tends to be scabby bloodied areas on a picked on chickens. There's a powder you can dust the chicks with, at just about any feed store.

Thank you! I might just do that anyway to cover my bases. They've never been outdoors before but I understand there's still a small chance of pests sneaking in.

 

[sourland]

If it was a mite infestation, you would see the mites, and they would be crawling on the brooder and on you.

 

[sophiehatter1057]

If it was a mite infestation, you would see the mites, and they would be crawling on the brooder and on you.

Well that's a relief!