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[AustralorpLover1004]

I just got two Australorp mix pullets today, but their feathers are looking weird... Could it just be that other chickens at their old home we’re picking at them? Or are they sick? Their wings are kinda droopy too...

 

[Kathy Golla]

Keeping to one thread instead of a couple will help you get more responses.
With one thread you can follow up “e.g does anyone have any ideas?” And it will bump the thread to the top.
This is a forum for emergencies/injuries/diseases.
There are many other forums on BYC, e.g, Chicken Behaviors and Managing Your Flock.
Is there something particular you are worried about?
Where do you live in the world?

 

[AustralorpLover1004]

They’ve been eating and drinking fine though so far

 

[DobieLover]

View attachment 1859235 View attachment 1859236 View attachment 1859237 I just got two Australorp mix pullets today, but their feathers are looking weird... Could it just be that other chickens at their old home we’re picking at them? Or are they sick? Their wings are kinda droopy too...

Have you examined them for external parasites?
What were they eating and what are you feeding them now?

 

[AustralorpLover1004]

I checked but I don’t see anything... I did notice though they look very skinny, I think they were neglected of food and picked on. I don’t know what they were fed before but they’re eating crumbles now.

 

[AustralorpLover1004]

Have you examined them for external parasites?
What were they eating and what are you feeding them now?

Oh my goodness, I just gave them a bath and there was so much grime, dirt, and poop all in and on their feathers. They’re so skinny.. I think they were neglected and picked on, they’re missing feathers too. They instantly looked better after washing, ill attach a pic

 

[DobieLover]

Oh my goodness, I just gave them a bath and there was so much grime, dirt, and poop all in and on their feathers. They’re so skinny.. I think they were neglected and picked on, they’re missing feathers too. They instantly looked better after washing, ill attach a pic

I would err on the side of caution and go ahead and treat them for external parasites by dusting them with poultry dust containing permethrin. Repeat again in 1 week.

To help build them back up, I would give them a mash made with Flock Raiser, All Flock or even chick crumbles. Any complete feed that contains 18 - 20% protein. Supplement them with Poultry Nutri-drench or Rooster Booster for 3 days then discontinue as extended treatment with that can cause diarrhea.

Feed them all they will eat. The extra protein will help build back any blood loss they may have suffered as well help them grow back feathers.

 

[AustralorpLover1004]

Okay thank you

 

[Brady bunch]

Are the feathers metallic or like a shiny blue? This is one sign that they are healthy. Make sure they have clean water. And make sure that they eat what they are supposed to. We have australorps and we really watch what they eat.

 

[AustralorpLover1004]

View attachment 1859500 Are the feathers metallic or like a shiny blue? This is one sign that they are healthy. Make sure they have clean water. And make sure that they eat what they are supposed to. We have australorps and we really watch what they eat.

Their feathers were really dirty but they’re looking better after the bath. I’m currently making coconut oil snacks.