Hello everyone molting questions

[caroline11]

Hi I have 8 girls
2 buff orpingtons
2 black astralorps
2 speckled sussex
2 silver laced wyandottes

They are about 1 year old and I have been getting lots of wonderful eggs. Around xmas time I noticed Lucy one of the black aus. started losing back feather soon she had a bare back and still does?? Now some of the others are losing some feathers. Miss Prissy a silver also now has a bare back I see no evidence of anything wrong but the feathers just are not growing back. Is this a normal molt?? I have been supplementing with mealworms and black oil sunflower seeds in addition to their layer pellets and I am still getting eggs. Thanks

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Doesn't sound like a molt and the wrong time of year unless you're in the southern hemisphere.

Check for lice or mites.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I 2nd ChickenCanoe's post. You stated that you had 8 girls but how many men and boys do you have in your flock?

Oh BTW

 

[caroline11]

I don't see any evidence of lice or mites their skin is normal colored and smooth. The skin end of the feathers around the area are clean and I don't see anything unusual Is there something specific I need to look for? Thanks

 

[caroline11]

Oh sorry new here I don't have any boys just hens Thanks

 

[TwoCrows]

Could they be plucking them out of each other? Birds that are in need of protein will eat their feathers or the feathers of the other birds. Aggression will cause them to pull each others feathers as well. Being cramped in can cause boredom and feather picking. Molting usually starts at the head of the bird. And you can see pin feathers coming in around the back of the neck.

If they have a lot of bare patches, you can spray the areas with blu-kote to cover the bare skin so the birds don't bother each other and to help prevent infection.

Good luck with your flock and enjoy BYC!

 

[caroline11]

Well We have a large coop about 8x10 and the run is about 10x30 so I don't think they are cramped. They all seem to get along well I am always going out to see them, give treats, clean, and just enjoy watching. I do supplement with mealworms and sunflower seeds so I think they are getting enough protein. All the bare patches look like nice skin no redness or lesions. Is there something specific I should be looking for? Thanks

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. If some of the hens are in pristine condition, they are probably feather plucking the others. Do a forum search on Pinless Peepers. They can be used to break this habit and allow your hens to regrow feathers.

 

[drumstick diva]

You could buy chicken saddles for the bare backed ones and see if they start regrowing feathers.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC!