Is it mites/lice or molting?

[freerangerZA]

Hi all
One of my hen's had babies about 3,5 weeks ago and she started shedding lots of feathers about a week ago - mainly big feathers and smaller body ones. Today I noticed her head looks really scruffy and her comb isn't as upright as normal. She's a bit bald in places (head only). She is about a year old (I think) and we are heading into spring.

So how do I tell if this is a molt or a lice or mite problem? None of the others seem to have any signs of anything.

If it is pests, is there a way of treating her without chemicals? I already use DE.

Hope you can help!

 

[Judy]

It sounds more like molting to me. If they have any lice or mites you should be able to see them, though they are tiny. Here is some info:

http://ohioline.osu.edu/vme-fact/0018.html

 

[sourland]

Lice and mites would be readily visible. Very frequently hens will go through a molt as their chicks are maturing.

 

[freerangerZA]

Thanks for the info. Really useful link.