Hen in prolonged molt or something else?

[Puddingriverfam]

One of our beloved hens has been “naked” on her sides for 3-4 months now. Initially I thought it was molting along with being loved on by our kids. They like to pack her around and snuggle her, she’s very sweet. When I saw that she wasn’t growing back I’ve asked them to leave her alone for a while, that’s been over a month now and I’m not seeing any change. She doesn’t seem to be picked on by other hens, and nobody else has lost their feathers or seems to have related issues, so whatever it is, isn’t spreading. Is there something I can do or what is this? I’m starting to get worried about her now!

 

[PioneerChicks]

Can you post pictures? What are you feeling her? Is she laying?

 

[chickens really]

What breed? Pictures definitely will help.

 

[Mrs. K]

Not sure what caused it, but some birds do do a very slow molt. Some birds practically go naked over night, most somewhere in between.

I would not worry about her, even if it gets cold. And when she is done with the molt, they will grow back, give it about 6 weeks.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

Pics please @Puddingriverfam

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[centrarchid]

I am thinking Oregon along the Pudding River.

 

[Mrs. K]

haha - I am wondering where you got that.... then I looked at the op's name. haha

 

[ValerieJ]

Hi! Welcome to BYC! A couple of my girls lost a lot of feathers due to an aggressive hen. When I lost the aggressive one, the to with naked backs didn't get feathers back for months, not until they went through their regular molt this fall. They are back to their beautiful selves now. You may have to wait for their next molt if they didn't go through one this fall.

 

[aart]

I am thinking Oregon along the Pudding River.

Could be, but good to know for sure

 

[cmom]

The loss of feathers on your bird can be because of the mites but since it is just one bird not sure. I hope it isn't mites and you figure out why she has lost her feathers. It probably isn't mites. I had a severe infestation last year and thought the loss of feathers was due to molting but the birds weren't getting their feathers back in like they should have, so upon closer inspection I discovered the mites. You may have to check at night after they roost. Some mites only come out at night and feed on the birds. I use a headlamp so I have my hands free to check the birds over. Be sure to check the vent area and under the wings. I sprayed the coop weekly for awhile with permethrin because it does not kill the mite eggs so repeat sprayings are a must. Permethrin works. There is no egg withdrawal period. If you do discover any mites and have a TSC, you can get the dust, premixed spray and the concentrate. I use the dust on the birds and THOROUGHLY spray inside of your coop, every crack and crevice, on and under the roosts, nest boxes, ceiling, walls, anywhere the mites can hide. I buy the concentrate but I have a lot of coops so I mix it in a gallon sprayer and the wand helps me to reach the hard to reach areas. For smaller places the premixed spray is good. It took awhile for the birds feathers to come back in, but they are beautiful again. Good luck...