Help! chicken losing neck feathers

[meganc80]

My Plymouth Barr is losing neck feathers. The quills are still in place and the other 6 ladies look healthy; though their combs are not bright red. I attribute that too the very cold temperatures we've been having here in NY, however that's just a guess.

Can we have mites or lice in just one bird and in 20-30 degree temperatures?

 

[BantamLover21]

We're glad you joined us!

Your hen is probably molting, which is relatively normal at this time of year (even in cold temperatures). You can help her feathers grow in better by feeding a higher protein feed (like gamebird feed), or supplementing with black oil sunflower seeds, scrambled eggs, or mealworms. Even without extra help, though, your hen should still be able to molt fine.

External parasites are a small possibility, but I think they are less likely than molting. However, just to be safe, you could get some Sevin dust or another poultry mite/lice dust or spray and treat your entire flock.

Good luck with your birds!

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Do they look like they are all broken and stripped a bit..just ragged looking? If so this is most likely aggression especially during treats time. Watch next time when you throw out some treats and see if she is not chased and grabbed at the neck feathers. This breaks these off easily. I have a few birds with ragged necks for this sort of behavior.

As for the pale "combs", if these birds are 2 or more years old, they may be coming out of a molt which causes pale faces, combs and wattles. So can being over loaded with worms. If my birds need wormed, I find it is best to do it during molting season when they aren't laying.

If you still feel there is an issue, you can post in our emergency section too...https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

Good luck with your bird and I hope all turns out well!

 

[TamingMaster]

She could be moulting, however to properly identify the problem we'd need to see some pictures.

 

[TamingMaster]

Also!

 

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome to BYC!

We're glad to have you.

Bantamlover21 and Two Crows have already given you some good advice.

 

[Book Em Danno25]

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[meganc80]

They look stripped, maybe broken.

Thanks for all the input, I'll try to snap a picture in the morning.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

Good luck!!