Feather loss around neck

[SelmaChick]

New member here; I may be slow but have finally clued in to the fact that one of my 3 hens, a barred rock, is losing feathers. I had noticed the presence of a few small feathers in the run for several week, but just discounted it as insignificant. Today, after being gone for 5 days, I can see that the loss is becoming noticeable, especially around the neck area. She's only 8 months old, so that's too soon for molting, yes?

Best I can tell from a quick peek, the feathers are breaking off, leaving the shafts behind. I noticed no bugs or skin issues. The activity level, feeding, poop and general behavior has not changed. My other two hens seem unaffected.

I house the three birds in a large dog house, with pine shavings, with adjacent, movable run. They get free-range time most days. From reading the posts, I'm leaning towards mites/lice. I need to do a more through check, I'm sure, but wanted to see if anyone have any other suggestions

Thanks!

 

[speckledhen]

She's molting, I'd bet. I have a hen who is almost bald right now, LOL. Need to knit her a scarf. Some go through a sort-of mini-molt about 9 months old.

 

[SelmaChick]

Really!? I thought molting occurred much later. Of course, I will be relieved if nothing else (contagious) is going on. Good thing I'm in the Deep South with infrequent nights below freezing; my knitting skills are non-existent. Thanks for the input; I've got a lot to learn!

 

[davidb]

molting most likely

 

[silkiechicken]

Feathers breaking from shafts you say? Are you sure the "shaft" being broken isn't the joint between the old feather and the pin feather?

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I have two girls finishing up a mini-moult right now. They looked just as you described with very naked necks. They are almost 9 months old. From what I understand this is just a precursor to the major moult at 18 months.
Out of 18 chickens total, I think 10 of them moulted to some extent. In most of them it was barely noticable. A few of the girls looked quite pitiful.

 

[MissTee]

OInce again- sooo glad this site is here! I have a barred rock who is 9 months old and looks the same as you desrcibed. And pin feathers are a good description of what I am seeing on her pitiful looking neck. She is my only barred rock. Glad it's only molting.
Thanks!