Hen never recovered feather from Fall molt.

[Patsy2757]

I have about 20 hens. Several are Silver Laced Wyandottes. They are about 2 years old. Last fall when they molted, one hen went almost bald. I didn't think she would make it through the winter without her feathers but she did. When they came back in they were very sparse and very strange looking. This is her today: Anyone know why this happened to her?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Poor girl.

Did she return to lay?

Have you treated or checked for any parasites? And what do you feed including treats and supplements?

He skin is very red and angry under the vent area. Indicating mites or poultry lice... a problem MANY of us deal with.

My suggestion... #1 Feed some extra ANIMAL protein. Scrambled egg, tuna, ground beef, chicken breast. Feathers are made from 90% protein and it's amino acids. Some of the amino acids cannot be derived from vegetable sources... those are added into our vegetarian feeds that many of use.

#2 Decide on a form of parasite treatment. For most external parasites I like to use a permethrin spray after they go to roost so I don't chase anyone. It's as simple as a spritz below the vent, in each pit and to the nape of the neck... all with feathers parted so it hits the skin. It is safe, effective, affordable, labeled for use in chickens, and no withdrawal required for eggs. It comes under many names and brands including ready to us (my choice), concentrate, and powder (last choice). Found in the equine section of feed stores usually... this bottle lasted in excess of 2 years with 2 goats, 30 dogs and 82+ birds for under $8 locally...

https://www.horse.com/item/fly-rid-plus-spray/E006407/

Martins is another brand that I know of. Both are also labeled to use in your coop environment. Be SURE to retreat within the correct amount of days for suspected parasite in order to BREAK the life cycle completely or you can create a resistance issue instead of eliminating (at least temporarily since they are in the environment)

Another alternative if you feel as though you need to worm and hit any lice/mites at one time would be to go Ivermectin. It isn't labeled for use in chickens, but the dosage is available and it is effective. I think each bird has to be weighed to accurately dose, but once should be enough.

Listen, I can promise you ARE dealing at least with external parasites here. Her molt was hard and things will work on the weakest FIRST. But all birds need to be treated equally so they don't become a magnet. Some of them might be microscopic and others might not live on the bird but only come out to feed on them and disappear after that from our sight. There MAY be some egg clumps near feather shaft base that are easy to see under the vent area. But EVEN if you cannot actually detect them... your hen is living proof that I can verify by my own experience... and I'm sure as other check in they may be able to confirm. I work very hard not to spread misinformation. Do NOT waste your time trying to use diatomaceous earth. While it may work for some things it is very ineffective against infestations, aside from being a danger to the hens, myself, and the environment IMHO.

I try to avoid chemicals as much as possible. This is ONE area, I can't afford to play around with.

There may be some genetic issue... But get nutrition up (if you feed layer OR scratch type treats). And take care of the parasites and you will be on the road to recovery... hopefully before the next molt.

Please know all friendliness is intended and no judgement. So if anything seems harsh sounding add an imaginary smiley or whatever help you to know my heart is in the right place.

 

[Patsy2757]

Thanks for your information! I will look into purchasing! I use a fly spray for my horses I recognize that permethrin ingredient.