Feathers are just awful

[Seaecho]

This little 2 year old Serama frizzle had a roo in with her until a few weeks ago. So she had missing and ratty feathers. But since he was removed, she looks even WORSE! Is there a nutrition issue here? What would you suggest?

 

[Eggcessive]

She may be molting. The first big molt occurs on average around 16-18 months, so if she has not yet molted, then that may be what is happening. Always look for evidence of lice or mites though, and treat accordingly.

 

[Seaecho]

Well, when I got her, she had some missing feathers, but nothing like this. I've had her about 3 months now. Got rid of the hormonal cockerel, but her whole head is now bald! And that's happened since he's been gone. I've been over her thoroughly and can't find any evidence of mites or lice.

 

[Eggcessive]

Frizzles have a lot of problems with feathers from what I have read. But hopefully, it is just molting. Is she laying eggs? You can boost her protein a bit to 20% flock raiser. Hopefully others with serama or frizzle experience will chime in.

 

[Seaecho]

Yes, she's laying. It was daily, but it's gotten hot over the last several days, and she's slowed way down. I mix Start and Grow (18% protein) with 16% Flock Raiser and 17% mash the feed store recommended. (Equal parts) So I guess the protein she gets IS a little low. Next time I'll get 20% Flock Raiser. I do feed her scrambled eggs 2x a week and occasional meal worms. Maybe I'll get a little canned cat food for more protein. Good idea?

 

[coach723]

I'm not experienced with frizzles so don't really know what the feathers are normally, but if she's not molting then maybe depluming mites? If those feather shafts on her wings are not pinfeathers, that's what makes me wonder. I've never had to treat for them, so only know from reading, but wanted to throw that out there. Those particular mites burrow into the feather shaft and the skin at the base of the feather, are similar to scaly leg mites, so you may not actually see them. If you suspect them I think a vet can test with a skin scraping. Here are a couple of links that may help.
http://flytesofancy.blogspot.com/2017/06/de-plumbing-mite-and-others.html
https://www.omlet.co.uk/guide/chickens/chicken_health/the_depluming_mite
Hopefully just rooster damage and a molt. I have a hen that molts much earlier than the rest of the flock every single year, she's starting now, so it is possible this time of year.

 

[Kathy Golla]

Ya. She could also molt from stress or illness. The rooster may have stressed her out.
Is there any chance she was broody? Broody hens molt after they are broken.

 

[Seaecho]

Thank you for the links coach, and I'll check them out! I sure hope she doesn't have mites or lice. None of my other girls show signs at all. And yes, Kathy. She was broody, but for only one day. When I took the egg away, it was over.

 

[Seaecho]

Just read the links. She doesn't have thick, crusty skin, and she isn't dropping weight, so I think I'll just watch her and if she doesn't start improving soon, I'll look into Ivermectin. I use it on my horses. I have seen her grooming, but never witnessed her pulling any feathers out.

 

[coach723]

I know from reading that frizzles can have feather problems, so maybe it's just a combination of genetics, rooster, and some stress and it will just take her some time, maybe more time than other breeds. Unless she starts acting ill or skin starts to look irritated, I'd be inclined to just watch and see if she molts later this year and it resolves. She's cute, even in her partially bald state!