Hen Losing Feathers (Possible Bullying?)

[LOOKATTHATSHINE]

One of our 3 year old hens has been losing feathers randomly for the past couple of months. We noticed the feathers on her back and top of her wings have been very “shallow” and short for a while now, but within the past few weeks it has gotten worse. We bathed her with epsom salt/dawn for mites, and we also dosed her with ivermectin but no luck. I have not noticed any of our other girls bullying her, but it almost looks like some of her feathers have been pulled off… other than that she seems to be perfectly happy and healthy.

Any advice as to what this may be and how to cure it? I would greatly appreciate any help.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

it almost looks like some of her feathers have been pulled off… other than that she seems to be perfectly happy and healthy.

Look like over preening. or too much rooster action. Do you have a rooster? If not then it very well may have been parasites, In which case a second round of treatment and or bathing would be recommended between 10-14 days later to get anything newly hatching.

Feathers that are damaged won't improve in quality until she molts EVEN if the culprit has been treated.

How does the skin below the vent and on the abdomen look.. also are her underneath feathers in this same condition? And did she molt this past season or when was her last time?

I would THINK that sort of bullying would have been noticeable, but maybe peek in right at roost time as they're settling down and see what's up in there.

Is that dark spot by the tail actually scabs? I can't zoom in close enough for my eyes to see it well.

Hope you find answers quickly!

 

[LOOKATTHATSHINE]

We do not have a rooster. We will give her a second round as you recommended, I think what you said about over preening sounds like it very well may be the culprit.

She does molt but it’s always very light. Her left wing is somewhat scabbed over but the dark spot you are talking about almost looks like there’s blood IN the base of the feather…

Thanks for your quick, extremely informative reply!!! You have been a lifesaver!

 

[Henhouse Harlot]

How is your hen?