Feather discoloration, loss

[CRA Z CLUK]

I have seen this on pigeons. It always seems to be parasite related. Hope they get better Soon

 

[coach723]

Here's a good article with pictures, may help you so you know what to look for:
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/08/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification.html

 

[junebuggena]

Layer feed has just barely enough protein to support egg production, if it's the only thing fed. When you add things to the diet, like scratch, forage, or veggie scraps, you can upset their nutritional balance. Feather picking is most commonly caused by inadequate protein intake. Feathers are mostly made up of protein, and deficient birds can start eating each other's feathers.
To rule this out, cut out the extras and switch to a feed with at least 18% protein content.

 

[Richard Collette]

Haven't noticed any back pecking. I will check closer for lice when it gets light. Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[Richard Collette]

Here's a good article with pictures, may help you so you know what to look for:
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/08/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification.html

Thank you for educating be. I'll read and find a magnifying glass and look again.

If lice are found, is SEVIN dust the best remedy? That question is probably answered in the article. Thanks again for the suggestions.

 

[Richard Collette]

Layer feed has just barely enough protein to support egg production, if it's the only thing fed. When you add things to the diet, like scratch, forage, or veggie scraps, you can upset their nutritional balance. Feather picking is most commonly caused by inadequate protein intake. Feathers are mostly made up of protein, and deficient birds can start eating each other's feathers.
To rule this out, cut out the extras and switch to a feed with at least 18% protein content.

I'll also try the change in feed as suggested. Thanks

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @Richard Collette Welcome To BYC

It's the same on 10 of 12 birds.

You mention that this feather loss pattern is on 10 of 12 birds - what the other 2 look like (photos)?
How much coop space do you have (sq.ft.)?

Evaluating the feed and checking for lice/mites is a good idea as suggested. For treating external parasites, you can use a Permethrin based poultry spray or dust or find some Spinosad.

Watch your girls during roosting time - picking/plucking at nighttime can be common, especially if there is not enough space. It is very odd that the pattern is the same for all your girls. Hopefully by changing things up a bit, they loss will stop. I will add, that in your photos - a lot of the feathers look broken with shaft still intact - these will not be replaced until they go through their adult molt. Since your girls are 7months, they won't replace those until probably next fall.

 

[Richard Collette]

I have seen this on pigeons. It always seems to be parasite related. Hope they get better Soon

I've purchased 'Garden and Poultry Dust' with Permethrin. Hopefully this will resolve the issue over time and use.

Thanks for the help and suggestions.