how to tell if molting or parasite

[cmb32187]

I have two buff orpingtons and 2 americaunas or easter eggers, not sure which. They are all 23 weeks old. The buffs have been laying for a couple weeks. I got one greenish/bluish egg last week, then nothing. Right after the egg the ee's (easier) started getting extra fluffy feathers at their back above the tails. Now the one is bloody, guessing from picking by the buffs. I saw a couple of pickings but nothing excessive. I put medicated cover up and more blood the next day. I separated her from the rest. That afternoon it seemed the other ee was getting the same thing, only no blood. I put the two together away from the buffs. They are very stressed out. I know molting is stressful, so not sure if I am making things worse. The skin is very dry where the feathers are missing. I was wondering how to tell if it is a parasite. Thanks for any advice.

 

[blairctchickens]

Do you have a rooster in your flock?

 

[junebuggena]

At 23 weeks old, it's not molting. More likely feather picking. What are you feeding? Any treats? How big is the coop and how big is the run?

 

[blairctchickens]

At 23 weeks old, it's not molting. More likely feather picking. What are you feeding? Any treats? How big is the coop and how big is the run?

I was about to edit my post and post this as well. but junebuggena beat me to it!

 

[cmb32187]

No, no rooster. Coop is 5' × 8' and run is 11' × 8'. Feeding combo of grower and layer.

 

[cmb32187]

I do give cracked corn and sunflower seeds. Veggies, fruits and yogurt, as well.

 

[blairctchickens]

Well you seam to have plenty room in the pen and coop. Have you inspected the wounds for any bugs that could be the culprit? The unfortunate thing is once the other chickens see blood they will keep going at that spot. It is in the nature of these birds that they perceive blood on another as a weakness and will kill off the others to protect the flock.

 

[cmb32187]

Don't see any bugs. I have the 2 separated. I have her covered in blue kote. I am worried the separating is worse. Maybe I should just keep a close watch. Definitely isn't constant pecking.

 

[junebuggena]

I suspect that the root cause is insufficient protein intake. Offer only the grower feed, and no more treats. Supplement they laying birds with some crushed oyster shell.

 

[cmb32187]

Thanks for the advice. Will give it a try.