Flock losing feathers

[Josimariecolo]

Can hens molt this time of year? A few birds in our flock are losing their neck feathers below their beak and a couple are also starting to lose feathers at the base of their tail. They are still laying eggs, have been all winter without a supplemental light. We have two ducks so they are all fed an all flock pellet feed. They are mixed in age, the two that look the worst are less than a year old. We have never had hens molt this time of year, usually in the late fall. They also get meal worms, bird seed with black sunflower seeds, another type of high-quality scratch grain mix, produce (lettuce, cilantro, tomatoes etc) and oregano oil in one of their water buckets, also free access to oyster shell. They are free range in two large pens. They all act fine and get along well. The speckled sussex is the boss, but she’s older and not overly aggressive. Could it be mites or lice? We live in Lakewood, CO and it’s been a very cold winter here. Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Chicken poppy]

Can hens molt this time of year? A few birds in our flock are losing their neck feathers below their beak and a couple are also starting to lose feathers at the base of their tail. They are still laying eggs, have been all winter without a supplemental light. We have two ducks so they are all fed an all flock pellet feed. They are mixed in age, the two that look the worst are less than a year old. We have never had hens molt this time of year, usually in the late fall. They also get meal worms, bird seed with black sunflower seeds, another type of high-quality scratch grain mix, produce (lettuce, cilantro, tomatoes etc) and oregano oil in one of their water buckets, also free access to oyster shell. They are free range in two large pens. They all act fine and get along well. The speckled sussex is the boss, but she’s older and not overly aggressive. Could it be mites or lice? We live in Lakewood, CO and it’s been a very cold winter here. Thanks so much for your help!

Yes! Hens can molt at any time but very often (more often then not) above a year of age.


If you suspect mites or lice take a look at their skin, for best results, look around the uropygial gland (preen gland) and around the vent. Look in a dark room and try using UV light.

Does it look like a feather bomb in the coop or outside? If so, its molting!

 

[Josimariecolo]

Yes! Hens can molt at any time but very often (more often then not) above a year of age.


If you suspect mites or lice take a look at their skin, for best results, look around the uropygial gland (preen gland) and around the vent. Look in a dark room and try using UV light.

Does it look like a feather bomb in the coop or outside? If so, its molting!

 

[Josimariecolo]

Thank you! No feather bomb at the moment. The neck feather loss has been happening for at least a few weeks now, the back feather loss just started within the last week.

 

[Chicken poppy]

Thank you! No feather bomb at the moment. The neck feather loss has been happening for at least a few weeks now, the back feather loss just started within the last week.

Keep an eye out for feather explosions. I don’t know, i would personally just keep an eye out for anything weird and look for parasites for now.

 

[Josimariecolo]

Keep an eye out for feather explosions. I don’t know, i would personally just keep an eye out for anything weird and look for parasites for now.

Will do. Appreciate your help! If it is parasites, do you have any recommendations how to remedy it?

 

[Chicken poppy]

Will do. Appreciate your help! If it is parasites, do you have any recommendations how to remedy it?

Here is an article that looks like it has a lot of good information in it. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ow-to-protect-your-chickens-from-mites.47721/

 

[Chicken poppy]

Do note the reviews, though. They say its useful but has some things that are not labeled for use in poultry.