Hen losing feathers and walking wobbly

[Jessi81]

I have a hen that we got in the spring and she is losing feathers. They have all already molted. This is different, the feathers almost look like they're broke off and there are some bald and red spots. she's also walking kind of wobbly. She is pooping normally and eating. My chickens are locked in a coop at night and free-range all day. I feed them organic layer pellets, cracked corn, and kitchen scraps. I thought it might be lice or mites, but when I went out last night and looked at her I didn't see any of the red mites and I haven't seen any lice either. Now at least one of my other hens is also getting this. I did some research and bought Elector PSP to treat the coop and the hens. Could it be something else or do you think I am on the right track? The spray was very expensive, and if it's not going to resolve the issue, then I would Like to be able to return it, As it was $150 for 8 Oz. I feel very sorry for her, almost to the point of putting her down. I definitely don't want to lose my whole flock. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance. These are pics of my poor girl.

 

[dawg53]

It looks like molt to me. I recommend giving her gamebird feed which is higher in protein which will get her growing feathers again. Stop the cracked corn, kitchen scraps and organic layer pellets. Give her gamebird feed for one month, then wean her off of it back to the organic layer feed.

 

[AltonaAcres]

Yes, the good news is she has all her feathers growing back in. Sometimes, my chickens molt at weird times, or several times a year. About the wobbly part, when my chickens have that big of a molt, they usually seem sickly for a while. They seem weak, cold, and sometimes get pecked on. She might just be low in protein. We feed our "molters" Black Oil Sunflower seeds. They LOVE them, and it helps. I've heard of people feeding molting chickens cat food, but it's so unhealthy I wouldn't recommend it. I would keep her alive, and she'll have beautiful glossy new feathers before you know it. If it's cold, a heat lamp would help her be happier. Good luck!

 

[Jessi81]

She has already gone through her molt about a month ago. All 12 of have the last couple of months at different times. None of mine have ever looked or acted like this during molt When I picked her up for pictures, I had skin flakes and feathers all over. She also has red spots where completely bald. I really don't think it's molt as one other is starting to look as bad as her and another one is starting to lose feathers. As before mentioned, they have already molted....

 

[Jessi81]

Oh, and those are not feathers growing back, that's what they are doing before they completely fall out...

 

[Stockpilejoy]

Could another hen be pecking out her feathers?

 

[dawg53]

Here's a link regarding feather loss other than molt:
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/ind...th-management/moulting-feather-loss/treatment

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She has already gone through her molt about a month ago. All 12 of have the last couple of months at different times. None of mine have ever looked or acted like this during molt When I picked her up for pictures, I had skin flakes and feathers all over. She also has red spots where completely bald. I really don't think it's molt as one other is starting to look as bad as her and another one is starting to lose feathers. As before mentioned, they have already molted....

Oh, and those are not feathers growing back, that's what they are doing before they completely fall out...

there are some bald and red spots. she's also walking kind of wobbly.

When I picked her up for pictures, I had skin flakes and feathers all over.

Can you post more photos of her? The red spots too.
You mention that's what she looks like now? But those are not new feathers coming in, they are falling out?

Do you have a way to pen her right next to the flock? Could it be that the others are plucking the new growth out? Separation within sight of the others may help her out.
I agree with @dawg53 get her on a higher protein feed for a month or so, if you can't do that add protein to her diet - meat, fish, eggs. Molting birds can be weak, so I like to give them a vitamin boost as well. Add poultry vitamins to her water for a couple of days a week or direct dose her.

Molting birds are going to shed feathers and keratin sheaths, so it's not usual to have those come off when handling a molting bird.

 

[Eggcessive]

I agree that she is molting. New feathers are attractive to other birds who may peck them as they come in. I would increase the protein in your feed, possibly using Flock Raiser or at least a 20% protein feed, and limit treats which may dilute protein level they are getting. Egg, tuna, mealworms, chopped liver or meat are good high protein treats in moderation, since they need mostly balanced chicken feed.