Hens losing feathers around their neck and head

[fresheggs4u]

When hens start to molt do they start near their heads? I have 26 hens and two of them are starting to lose feather on their neck. I don't see any signs of mites or any other distress. They seem to be eating and happy. Any suggestions? Are they starting to molt? Should I be concerned? Thanks!

 

[Sunflower]

I am new to this as well, but a couple of my hens lost feathers mostly on their necks too. And they're fine, got new feathers in. That's probably all it is.

 

[Wildsky]

Do you have Roosters?
Roosters will grab the hens neck area during mating and pull some out - on top of the head as well.

 

[airmom1c05]

As long as they don't peck one another and draw blood, you should be fine. Might be wise to dust for mites and/or lice just to be on the safe side. When my little roo lost some feathers around his neck, his breeder hen picked at them until she drew blood. I had to isolate him and treat the area until his new feathers came in. Everybody's fine and feathered now, thank the Lord!

 

[therealsilkiechick]

mine are doing it cause they are molting, both the boys and girls are. some are moulting some are not also.

 

[fresheggs4u]

Thanks for the responses. I don't have a roo at this time. He became to agressive with my grandson and I put him down.

Is there an easy way to treat for lice and mites. I have a hard time catching them all and dusting them. Even when the roost it stirs them up and I have trouble. Is there a spray that can be used. Maybe to over cast spray them on the roost? Probably a dumb question. Sorry!

 

[airmom1c05]

No spray to my knowledge. If you know where all the dustbath places are, you can mix 1 cup of Sevin dust in with the dirt every month or so. Or you could do the same with food grade Diatomaceous Earth which can also be sprinkled in the coop bedding, laying, and nest boxes, but it might have to be applied every two weeks. Be especially diligent on the roosts whatever you use.

 

[RexEllis]

I have found that dusting with poultry dust with permethrin works great. That was recommended by my vet. We dust when we open the door to the hen house in the morning as the bird come right out. Good luck.

 

[wrenchcarol200]

My hens are molting and its pretty comon especially this time of year. Also an easy way to treat them for mites or lice is, they love to take dust bath's and they usually take care of it theirselve's in a pile of dirt, but they prefer wood ashes to roll around in. So if you have a pile of cooled off wood ashes, put them where them have access to them and they will have fun and take care of dusting themselve's. Good luck.

 

[jjennstx]

I have 2 australorps that are naked on their bellies and losing feathers on their head. They both are eating well, poop looks normal, laying eggs and I can't see any mites. What is this and what can I do?