Feather mites--how long until the tail feathers recover?

[Mo'sMenagerie]

Hell again All--I posted a while back about my hen having feather mites. I've since treated her and my entire flock with elector PSP, and I think they are gone.

My question is--will her tail feathers recover? They were really chewed up from the mites, and they still look terrible. Her wing feathers still look bad, too. I've googled the heck out of this online and can't seem to find anything about it.Should I be concerned? How long until the feathers recover? Perhaps I should treat her and the others again with the elector to be sure they haven't come back? Thanks for any help or thoughts!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

How long until the feathers recover?

They (likely) may not until molt, when they are replaced.

Check at night with a flashlight as this is the most revealing, to confirm if you should consider treating again or not. If I don't see angry red skin or bugs crawling, I would not. If you see either... I definitely would treat again.

Glad to hear you caught it and staying on top of it!

 

[PirateGirl]

I have not dealt with feather notes specifically or used that particular product, but often with parasites you need to retreat once a week for 3 weeks to catch any new ones that hatch and break the lifecycle.

Unfortunately the feathers likely won’t look much better until after molt when new ones grow in, which is typically in the fall.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I have not dealt with feather notes specifically or used that particular product, but often with parasites you need to retreat once a week for 3 weeks to catch any new ones that hatch and break the lifecycle.

Unfortunately the feathers likely won’t look much better until after molt when new ones grow in, which is typically in the fall.

The elector PSP is VERY pricey and boast 1 time treatment.

 

[Mo'sMenagerie]

The elector PSP is VERY pricey and boast 1 time treatment.

It is pricey, but considering the cost of potentially losing my entire flock or paying for an expensive vet bill, it's worth it. 100%. Plus I found some chicken friends who went in half on it with me.

 

[Mo'sMenagerie]

I have not dealt with feather notes specifically or used that particular product, but often with parasites you need to retreat once a week for 3 weeks to catch any new ones that hatch and break the lifecycle.

Unfortunately the feathers likely won’t look much better until after molt when new ones grow in, which is typically in the fall.

Well I guess we will just need to be patient then. She sure does seem to be doing better... When I first found what i thought might be feather mites, I noticed her oil gland area was super dirty and dry, and it seemed like it hurt her when I tried to get a better look at the gland. When I checked her last night the oil gland still looked the same. I wonder if her gland it's impacted or clogged? It doesn't look red or stolen, just kind of scaly and dry.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

It is pricey, but considering the cost of potentially losing my entire flock or paying for an expensive vet bill, it's worth it. 100%. Plus I found some chicken friends who went in half on it with me.

Permethrin (synthetic version of pyrethrin extract from chrysanthemum flower) is JUST as effective at a lot less cost. But it's nice that you were able to find someone to split cost with and use a product you are most comfortable with.

Agreed, using something that works will always be worth it compared to the alternative.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Well I guess we will just need to be patient then. She sure does seem to be doing better... When I first found what i thought might be feather mites, I noticed her oil gland area was super dirty and dry, and it seemed like it hurt her when I tried to get a better look at the gland. When I checked her last night the oil gland still looked the same. I wonder if her gland it's impacted or clogged? It doesn't look red or stolen, just kind of scaly and dry.

Can you get some photos?
An oil gland would be red or swollen if it's impacted. It is a sensitive area for chickens though, but you should see a bit of oil if you lightly press on the gland.

As for when will the feathers look better - if they are damaged but intact, then generally those will not be replaced until molt.

 

[Mo'sMenagerie]

Permethrin (synthetic version of pyrethrin extract from chrysanthemum flower) is JUST as effective at a lot less cost. But it's nice that you were able to find someone to split cost with and use a product you are most comfortable with.

Agreed, using something that works will always be worth it compared to the alternative.

I will look into this. Thank you for the tip!

 

[Mo'sMenagerie]

Can you get some photos?
An oil gland would be red or swollen if it's impacted. It is a sensitive area for chickens though, but you should see a bit of oil if you lightly press on the gland.

As for when will the feathers look better - if they are damaged but intact, then generally those will not be replaced until molt.

Finally was able to get a photo!! Hooray. See it below. Is this normal? I could not get any oil to come out either.

Also, my americauna hen Floki, who had the mites and is doing better (the one we are discussing) and is only a year old, has stopped laying eggs for about a week... My other older gal who is almost 4 has too. They are both eating well and otherwise seem super healthy. Wonder if there is something more going on here. Perhaps the picture of Floki's oil gland will shed some light.

Any help or comments much appreciated!!