Feathers lost

[debgoody]

14 week old chicks and her feathers are. It coming in... or may been picked out.. any suggestions?

 

[Wicked Storm]

Hmm. Maybe some kind of mite or lice? Do they have access too deep bathing water? You can always use FrontLine Spray for dogs and cats, that's what I use

 

[esme13]

Hi is she the only one with feather loss? How are the other hens feathers all looking? Part of me is thinking she is getting picked on a bit. One of my chicks had a similar look and all the others were perfectly feathered. Keep an eye out for picking and check for mites just in case

 

[rosemarythyme]

Feather loss in that area is often a result of feather picking, so I'd be keeping an eye on how the flock interacts.

 

[debgoody]

Feather loss in that area is often a result of feather picking, so I'd be keeping an eye on how the flock interacts.

Thanks... I think it is feather picking.... she seems to be picked on there 14 weeks old... so do I separate or just them be?

 

[rosemarythyme]

You can try blukote on the area to see if that dissuades them a bit. Also 2 other things to consider: 1) What is the protein level in your feed? You might want to increase protein a bit, as feather picking can be tied to that. 2) What does your run set up look like (both spacewise and stuff in it), or do they free range any? If they're in a run, adding space (if it's a small run) and/or clutter (if it's a pretty barren run) gives picked on birds a way to escape, as well as keeps birds busy with stuff to do, both of which can reduce stress and picking issues.