Feather problems

[jdwilk]

I have one Wyandotte in particular with a feather problem. I also have some Orpingtons with some frayed feathers. Some info:
I have checked for mites and wiped down roost at night- I don’t see a thing.
They eat new country organics layer feed and mealworms. They have access to oyster shells I rarely give others treats. Sometimes they are out for for an an hour or two a day in a chicken tractor.
They are exactly a year old and have not gone through a big molt yet. The girls are all acting ok eating drinking and laying. They have a huge coop and run so not overcrowded. I was seriously thinking maybe the material in nesting boxes was too rough or they are rubbing up against hardware cloth at night on roost but that doesn’t explain the Wyandotte.
Any ideas what is going on??
Thanks so much!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Do you have a rooster? I'm not experienced in skin issues but it kinda looks like damaged caused by a rooster mounting the hen.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

Maybe they were dust bathing in some rocky soil?

 

[jdwilk]

No rooster here. Maybe a confused hen ?

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Hmmmm curiouser and curiouser. Did the skin underneath the feathers look normal? You can try getting a Wyze camera. I got one for my coop and it was cheap so I could watch for certain things. It allows you to access the camera through your smartphone. I had to get a wifi extender to get a wifi connect at the coop but all in all I think I had $60 in the investment and I love watching the birds when I'm at work. That could help spot a confused hen too haha.

 

[jdwilk]

Maybe they were dust bathing in some rocky soil?

That is definitely true. I didn’t think of that. We literally just replaced the run with 2 tons of new sand because they had dug up all of the rocks below and had been dust bathing all the time. I couldn't believe the size of some of the rocks they were digging up.

 

[jdwilk]

Hmmmm curiouser and curiouser. Did the skin underneath the feathers look normal? You can try getting a Wyze camera. I got one for my coop and it was cheap so I could watch for certain things. It allows you to access the camera through your smartphone. I had to get a wifi extender to get a wifi connect at the coop but all in all I think I had $60 in the investment and I love watching the birds when I'm at work. That could help spot a confused hen too haha.

the skin looks ok under the feathers. I have this exact camera! I will get it set up! Good idea.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

That is definitely true. I didn’t think of that. We literally just replaced the run with 2 tons of new sand because they had dug up all of the rocks below and had been dust bathing all the time. I couldn't believe the size of some of the rocks they were digging up.

Aw that's so sweet. I don't think I've ever had a group cuddle/dust bath happen like that.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

That is definitely true. I didn’t think of that. We literally just replaced the run with 2 tons of new sand because they had dug up all of the rocks below and had been dust bathing all the time. I couldn't believe the size of some of the rocks they were digging up.

I think you found your problem. It shouldn’t be something for you to worry about because they are fine on the inside. They will probably dig through the sand pretty soon anyways

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

Sand can do that to feathers.