Hen loosing feathers (not due to molting)

[Cindy Campbell]

Hello, please some advice, 1 of my 7 hens has been loosing feathers on her breast area, it slowly has been increasing over the past few weeks. I did worm and lice the complete flock a few weeks ago in case it was a parasite and then this week I liced everyone again to see if she improves. It looks different to a normal type of molting plus another hen of her breed has all of her feathers. She seems skinner than the chook of her breed too which they use to be the same size. She is otherwise acting normal. I feel it's a kind of parasite similar to what seems to happen to some local cockatoos from time to time in my area, the vet said this disease is not spread between parrots and chickens. Any advice please. This chicken is nervous and wasn't handle much as a baby so really wouldn't like a visit to the vet... Thanking you Cindy - also she is not being pecked there (I believe).

 

[theoldchick]

Are you thinking PBFD? Your vet is right in that it is not contagious to chickens. Abnormal feather loss can be caused by several conditions. Molting is usually the first reason. Mites and lice are another reason. Various viral infections can cause feather loss. Hormones caused by broody hormones will make them get a bare chest. Chronic sour crop.

Get your hands on her and examine her closely for mites. Check your coop at night as some species come out after dark. Take a fecal sample to your vet is a good way to start.

 

[Cindy Campbell]

Thank you so much, that advice sounds very good, I'll work on that step.