Feathers Everywhere

[LabMomma]

When I locked up my chickens tonight I noticed that there are a lot of feathers in the run and in the hen house. All of the feathers are black. I have 9 chickens. 6 of them are black including my rooster. All of my black chickens are under a year old. My rooster is always extremely good with his girls. I am going to do further investigation tomorrow. If anyone has any idea as to what happened please let me know. Thank you!

 

[Goosey Girl]

When I locked up my chickens tonight I noticed that there are a lot of feathers in the run and in the hen house. All of the feathers are black. I have 9 chickens. 6 of them are black including my rooster. All of my black chickens are under a year old. My rooster is always extremely good with his girls. I am going to do further investigation tomorrow. If anyone has any idea as to what happened please let me know. Thank

 

[Goosey Girl]

Could be:
1. Some starting to molt.
2. One of the hens is bullying another and pulling feathers out while the rooster is not watching.
3. Mites, lice, or other pest.
4. An animal got in the cage and there was a skirmish.

Take a good look at a couple of your hens. Inspect their vent and skin for mites. See if any of them are losing patches of feathers, might be their first molt starting. If everything seems normal, check the perimeter of your area for holes or other signs of predators.
***Most importantly separate your rooster while doing checks of his hens, he will most likely throw a fit.
Good luck. If they are close to a year old, I bet its molting time.

 

[LabMomma]

Could be:
1. Some starting to molt.
2. One of the hens is bullying another and pulling feathers out while the rooster is not watching.
3. Mites, lice, or other pest.
4. An animal got in the cage and there was a skirmish.

Take a good look at a couple of your hens. Inspect their vent and skin for mites. See if any of them are losing patches of feathers, might be their first molt starting. If everything seems normal, check the perimeter of your area for holes or other signs of predators.
***Most importantly separate your rooster while doing checks of his hens, he will most likely throw a fit.
Good luck. If they are close to a year old, I bet its molting time.

Thank you!