Feather loss

[Nowchick]

My two frizzle chickens have had feather loss. They are 8 1/2 months old so it’s not a molt? They are both missing feathers on their bellies and some around their vent, legs, and Billie Eyelash is also around her face. I’m new to chickens and I’m worried. We lost a chicken last week- Polish with no feather loss but I’m freaked out. Both seem to be eating and drinking ok, laying eggs, and run around. They are eating layer crumbles. And they get some scratch, grubblies, and fruit and veggies. I try and give them the treats in the late afternoon so that they eat their food first. Should I bring to the vet? I haven’t seen lice or mites but I know the mites come out at night. TIA. I live in Atlanta ga.

 

[sourland]

First picture shows signs of molting with pin/blood feathers coming in. Others may be feather plucking ? I would not take them to a vet if they were mine.

 

[Razzlefrazzle]

They seem ok. Do check the roost bars at night for mites, but if you don't find any I wouldn't worry too much. 8 months is not a "normal" molt time, but there really isn't a set schedule and if you search on here you can find a lot of posts about young hens molting. Also the bare bellies could be brood patches (whether or not they've gone broody yet).

 

[Nowchick]

Thank you for the replies. I will check tonight for the mites and keep an eye on things.

 

[Newchickenmama2]

Did you figure out what it was? One of my 6 hens who are 9 months is doing this exact thing. I haven’t seen any mites but am considering treating her anyway. She does tend to lay under the roost at night, so I don’t know if that has anything to do with it.