Feather Loss Around Face

[LizzzyJo]

When mine first molted, her head and neck were so ugly and bare that I thought she'd been attacked! Then her sister began molting and I had a homely flock for a while. it took them about 2 total months before they regained their full poofiness.

 

[chicksofclaridon]

Not a dweeb....just a chicken-obsessed, nervous Nellie, like the rest of us!!!! They are 2 beautiful gals, btw! ♥

Thank you!

 

[chicksofclaridon]

If you see the narrow feathers covered in a whitish sheath, like in your photo, all's o.k. Those are the new feathers growing in, called "pin feathers." The papery sheath protects the new feather as it grows. As soon as the sheath is ready to fall off, the new feather unfolds. Sometimes the other chickens will help remove the sheath from places the chicken can't reach herself. This is considered a friendly gesture. (If you see blood, it's not friendly ).

Good point! I'm glad you mentioned that, preventing me from a spaz if I see them "helping" her out!!

 

[chicksofclaridon]

When mine first molted, her head and neck were so ugly and bare that I thought she'd been attacked! Then her sister began molting and I had a homely flock for a while. it took them about 2 total months before they regained their full poofiness.

Lol! I guess I will just have to wait it out and look forward to the return of full puffiness! Thank you!!

 

[Stephoney]

Sorry to piggyback on your thread, but my black Ameraucana, Tilde, has had missing feathers for the past month or so on one side of her head. I haven’t really seen any new feathers growing in, nothing that looks like pin feathers. She’s lower on the pecking order, but I haven’t seen anyone pecking at her head. I had hens molt last year so I’m familiar with how that looks. This doesn’t look the same to me. It’s just the one spot. I’ve checked her over for any undesirables, nothing. She’s eating fine and behaves normally. Any ideas? Do you think this is molting, too?