Early Molt?

[AbbysSilkies]

three of my 10 month old bantam chickens seem to be molting. They’re still so young though, and it’s only early summer! Two of them might be plucking their own feathers but the third one, who recently experienced an egg binding incident and hasn’t laid again yet, is dropping her tail feathers, which I’ve found. Thoughts?

 

[dunnmom]

Could be molting. Even at 10 mos. Not all chickens molt in the fall, although many do. Can you post a pic of what your chickens are looking like? That might help us help you figure it out.

 

[AbbysSilkies]

Could be molting. Even at 10 mos. Not all chickens molt in the fall, although many do. Can you post a pic of what your chickens are looking like? That might help us help you figure it out.

 

[AbbysSilkies]

 

[AbbysSilkies]

Also lemon is missing her beard

 

[dunnmom]

If you haven't yet, you might give them a good checkup for mites or lice. If it were a matter of feather picking, I think you'd see more broken off feathers, scabs, or dried blood, though. Given the information, my best guess would be molting, although it is rather patchy. That's just how some chickens do it, from what I've seen, heard, and read.

Chickens do extra preening and scratching while molting, I've seen it in my own girls.

This is my 2nd year as a chicken keeper, so a more experienced person may chime in with a different answer.

 

[AbbysSilkies]

If you haven't yet, you might give them a good checkup for mites or lice. If it were a matter of feather picking, I think you'd see more broken off feathers, scabs, or dried blood, though. Given the information, my best guess would be molting, although it is rather patchy. That's just how some chickens do it, from what I've seen, heard, and read.

Chickens do extra preening and scratching while molting, I've seen it in my own girls.

This is my 2nd year as a chicken keeper, so a more experienced person may chime in with a different answer.

Ok, thanks!! When the weather dries up we’re making major improvements to the coop and run, so I’ll be sure to check for mites!! Thanks for the help!

 

[dunnmom]

Anytime!

 

[sourland]

Looks like feather plucking/eating especially the last bird whose beard has been removed. The most pristine bird in the flock is probably the culprit.