Feathers breaking off

[camochick96]

My chickens have been loosing feathers lately. Some break off at the base and others seem to break in half. This is with 3/5 chcickens. I haven’t seen any mites or lice, but I’m wondering if that’s what is wrong with them. They are 9 months old. They are just loosing them on their backs and chest mostly. My roo has lost a few tail feathers. I’ve treated the coop with DE. Any help and suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

 

[Welshies]

They are molting.

 

[camochick96]

They are molting.

I had hoped that is what t was by being in the middle of winter it scared me!

 

[Welshies]

I had hoped that is what t was by being in the middle of winter it scared me!

It usually happens in winter.

 

[camochick96]

Also I’ve switched them to a higher protein feed called Feather Fixer.

 

[camochick96]

It usually happens in winter.

Oh! I’m new to chickens and had been told to expect it in early fall and for it to be over with by winter. I didn’t think they were going to molt their first year, but that’s just what my grandfather had told me. Thank you for the advice!