Feathers missing on backs and egg laying decline

[Doeeyes]

Hi all, I am new to backyard chickens and have some concerns about my hens that maybe someone can help me find the solution.

A little about the flock, they are about a year and half. I have 5 hens and 1 rooster. I have 1 EE (the other was taken by a fox) 3 wyandottes and 1 speckled sussex, and I believe the rooster is an EE. For the past 2-3 months my hens started to loose their feather on their backs. I orginally thought this was pecking order, (which it still may be) or the rooster. I don't typically see the feather pecking. Although I do see one wyandotte hen pick at the runt EE. All 5 hens have this bald spot, from the head head to the runt. As of right now on some of the hens the feathers are slowly growing back but not sure if they will be plucked again. They have been bald for some time. I am concerned because for the past month egg laying has decline significantly. I have also noticed the rooster does not mate often with the hens. Some days I get 1, or none.. on a good day 2. I live in PA, and weather has cooled but we havent even had a frost yet. I think one of the hens are molting, she is losing feathers everywhere and growing them back. However the other ones I have not noticed this.

I am not sure if it is pecking order, an agressive rooster, molt, weather, parasites? I have not changed their food, they free range nearly daily. I have never had issues with laying before, and they all look healthy otherwise. Please any info would be helpful! Thank you!

 

[TwentyOneChickens]

Hi all, I am new to backyard chickens and have some concerns about my hens that maybe someone can help me find the solution.

A little about the flock, they are about a year and half. I have 5 hens and 1 rooster. I have 1 EE (the other was taken by a fox) 3 wyandottes and 1 speckled sussex, and I believe the rooster is an EE. For the past 2-3 months my hens started to loose their feather on their backs. I orginally thought this was pecking order, (which it still may be) or the rooster. I don't typically see the feather pecking. Although I do see one wyandotte hen pick at the runt EE. All 5 hens have this bald spot, from the head head to the runt. As of right now on some of the hens the feathers are slowly growing back but not sure if they will be plucked again. They have been bald for some time. I am concerned because for the past month egg laying has decline significantly. I have also noticed the rooster does not mate often with the hens. Some days I get 1, or none.. on a good day 2. I live in PA, and weather has cooled but we havent even had a frost yet. I think one of the hens are molting, she is losing feathers everywhere and growing them back. However the other ones I have not noticed this.

I am not sure if it is pecking order, an agressive rooster, molt, weather, parasites? I have not changed their food, they free range nearly daily. I have never had issues with laying before, and they all look healthy otherwise. Please any info would be helpful! Thank you!

Welcome to BYC! We're glad to have you here.

Seeing that this has been going on for 3 months, I don't think molting is the cause. Have you checked for mites? Do they seem to be itching?
My best guess is a mean roo. Have you ever witnessed any fighting?

Also, photos would help.

 

[PirateGirl]

Egg decline may or may not be related. It's the time of year in your part of the world that daylight hours are shrinking. I'm down to 1-2 eggs a day from 9 active layers, which is normal for this time of year in the northern hemisphere. Production should pick up again after the solstice once daylight hours start lengthening.

 

[Doeeyes]

Welcome to BYC! We're glad to have you here.

Seeing that this has been going on for 3 months, I don't think molting is the cause. Have you checked for mites? Do they seem to be itching?
My best guess is a mean roo. Have you ever witnessed any fighting?

Also, photos would help.

I have not seen any itching, and not sure what to look for concerning mites. The feathers around their vents don't seem to be effected. I will try to add pictures soon. Unable to today though.

 

[Doeeyes]

Egg decline may or may not be related. It's the time of year in your part of the world that daylight hours are shrinking. I'm down to 1-2 eggs a day from 9 active layers, which is normal for this time of year in the northern hemisphere. Production should pick up again after the solstice once daylight hours start lengthening.

I was wondering if that was the case. This will be their second winter though but they did really well last year in the colder months. Is it because of their age too?

 

[PirateGirl]

Cold has nothing to do with it, just lack of daylight. Yes, it is in part due to age. As birds get older they will lay less and less in general, especially over winter. The first winter often pullets will lay through much of it, just maybe not as many eggs a week as summer.

 

[aart]

and not sure what to look for concerning mites.

My Bug check notes:
Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

 

[Doeeyes]

Thank you all for your helpful advice! I am going to do some investigating about the mites and if that is not the issue then it may be the rooster? I hope they can get their feathers grown in time for the really cold weather. I may try vitamin supplements in their water. Any other suggestions for that to help them grow back feathers? As far as the decrease is eggs, It sounds like it is a combination of energy growing feathers and shortening of daylight

thank you again!

 

[aart]

Thank you all for your helpful advice! I am going to do some investigating about the mites and if that is not the issue then it may be the rooster? I hope they can get their feathers grown in time for the really cold weather. I may try vitamin supplements in their water. Any other suggestions for that to help them grow back feathers? As far as the decrease is eggs, It sounds like it is a combination of energy growing feathers and shortening of daylight

thank you again!

Could be several things going on.
Pics of the birds showing the feather loss would really help.
Cessation of lay is triggered by the shortening days....molting also usually happens this time of year.

Before resorting to vitamin supplements,
tell us what all and how exactly you are feeding.
If you do want to use vitamins, Poultry Nutri Drench or Rooster Booster brand Poultry Cell are about the best.
I give some once in a while for a boost, always with plain water also available.

Oh, and...Welcome to BYC! @Doeeyes
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!