hard molt, picking or mites?

[AnnieF]

I got a flock of 15 layers, this one has been mostly bald since i got them, the people i got them from wanted to put her down, but i want to give her a chance. She eats well, they are free range with layer pellets free choice. She is energetic and happy, when not being picked at i think she is the low hen. Her feathers are finally coming in but i see some dark crud by her oil gland. I hope its not mites. Any ideas?

 

[Eggcessive]

Treat her for mites with permethrin or sevin dust. She would need to be dusted every 7 days to get the eggs as they hatch, until you see no signs of mites. The other chickens probably would have them, and your coop would need cleaning out if there are mites. The more room they have to get outside to free range, the less picking you will see. It is the time of year for molting for many spring hatched chickens. Here are some links to read on how to identify mites:
http://www.backyardpoultrymag.com/laura_e_john/
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/08/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification.html

 

[AnnieF]

Thank you so much, i will read those!

 

[Eggcessive]

Here are 3 good articles on molting:
http://msucares.com/poultry/management/poultry_feathers.html
http://www.grit.com/animals/molting-what-is-it--how-to-help-chickens-get-through-it.aspx
http://www.nutrenaworld.com/knowledge-center/poultry/the-molting-process/index.jsp

 

[AnnieF]

Perfect!