Feathers rapidly going ragged?

[Halli]

Hello!

My approximately one year old hen, Marie, is going rapidly ragged! This has been going on for the last three weeks. Is this molting? Disease? She seems otherwise healthy. It has been hot here lately in Los Angeles but no one else is showing signs of stress. She has plenty of access to dirt for dirt baths (thanks to the gopher in my yard) and quite enjoys them. I also put DE on her a few times. This seems to be happening to every real feather on her body. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Halli

 

[ten chicks]

Hello!

My approximately one year old hen, Marie, is going rapidly ragged! This has been going on for the last three weeks. Is this molting? Disease? She seems otherwise healthy. It has been hot here lately in Los Angeles but no one else is showing signs of stress. She has plenty of access to dirt for dirt baths (thanks to the gopher in my yard) and quite enjoys them. I also put DE on her a few times. This seems to be happening to every real feather on her body. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Halli

Could be molting,are there feather shafts on feathers,have you noticed a lot of feathers in coop,hard to tell from picture. Does she have enough protein in her diet? If checking for mites/lice,look under wings,around vent area,base of feathers around tail.

 

[Halli]

Thanks! I will check the feathers in the vent area tomorrow. I did look on the back and belly and nothing seemed amiss at the base of the feathers.

I am not sure what you mean by "are there feather shafts on feathers" are you asking if the shaft is deteriorating? I don't think so, but I will double check tomorrow.

I have not noticed a lot of feathers in the coop. Just the usual amount...


I will try increasing the protein. They are free range and I haven't worried that much about it. They have organic soy and corn free pellets. What type of protein would you suggest? Meal worms? There are plenty in my compost bin if I tip it over... I can also pick something up at the feed store. None of my other hens have this going on...


Halli

 

[Halli]

Do you think I should quarantine her?

 

[Halli]

Ok. Checked by the vent. I couldn't visually see any mites or lice or evidence thereof. I upped her intake of protein (ground beef and fried eggs and sausage) yesterday. Today she had a soft shelled egg (at least I suspect it was her) that broke on the run floor. Wha??? Also, her laying has been wonky all the sudden. A couple double yolk (and I suspect a tripple yolk) eggs. Nothing yesterday and I suspect a soft shell egg today.

Her vent feathers have the remains of runny fecal matter (not the actual vent) which is unusual for her. I've been feeding the Modesto farms corn and soy free layer pellets (it has calcium in it). and then I've also offered free choice oyster shell (her and some of my other hens have had some rough shelled eggs, which should indicate too much calcium right?). Bah!

I am a bit baffled.

Halli

 

[AceSierra]

Ok. Checked by the vent. I couldn't visually see any mites or lice or evidence thereof. I upped her intake of protein (ground beef and fried eggs and sausage) yesterday. Today she had a soft shelled egg (at least I suspect it was her) that broke on the run floor. Wha??? Also, her laying has been wonky all the sudden. A couple double yolk (and I suspect a tripple yolk) eggs. Nothing yesterday and I suspect a soft shell egg today.

Her vent feathers have the remains of runny fecal matter (not the actual vent) which is unusual for her. I've been feeding the Modesto farms corn and soy free layer pellets (it has calcium in it). and then I've also offered free choice oyster shell (her and some of my other hens have had some rough shelled eggs, which should indicate too much calcium right?). Bah!

I am a bit baffled.

Halli

if bird have poop on their tail feathers they coule be over weight, worms, or they just sat in poop. my 2 yr old austrolorp is having this issue. her flight feathers were just barbs and i had to cut them because they were just spikes but other wise shes healthy. i assumed it was just over preening from boredom or stress and unless shes balding i woudnt worry too much about it. just make sure shes eating a balanced diet and lots of healthy treats.