Is this normal molting or possible mite/lice ect...?

[MaryW2K]

Hello BYC flock. Question/advice. Australorp. 39 weeks. No one is picking at anyone else besides the normal little pecks around food. Has dropped a few large whole feathers in the last few weeks that I only knew because I found them, then starting getting bare on her neck. To me it looks like feathers are growing in and a couple tail feathers are too. She seems itchy. I don't see any bugs crawling on her but I may have missed them. All my flock is the same age and no one else is losing feathers like this but a couple have dropped a few. In the sandhills of NC. Thank you for any comments.

 

[sourland]

Normal full blown molt -----------

 

[Sally PB]

My Australorp pullets molted their first winter last year too, at about the same age. It was a partial molt; they lost feathers on their heads, necks, and tails.

 

[cmom]

Looks to be a normal molt. To be sure since you indicated that you did not find anything on them, go out after they go to roost and check them. I use a headlamp so I have both hands free to inspect the birds. Some mites only feed on the birds at night. Also take a paper towel and rub on and under the roost and look for any streaks on the paper which could be from mites, but it does appear to be a normal molt. Good luck...

 

[MaryW2K]

Normal full blown molt -----------

Interesting. I thought the rule was they molt at 18months. Thank you!

 

[MaryW2K]

Looks to be a normal molt. To be sure since you indicated that you did not find anything on them, go out after they go to roost and check them. I use a headlamp so I have both hands free to inspect the birds. Some mites only feed on the birds at night. Also take a paper towel and rub on and under the roost and look for any streaks on the paper which could be from mites, but it does appear to be a normal molt. Good luck...

I may be worrying too much but this is my first time having them and I just love them. Oh yes. Great idea. I have a headlamp and they are super coopertive when roosting. I did learn about the rub your hand on the perch but a white napkin or paper towel is great. I am super anal about keeping their coop and perches clean since i have had other birds in the home but these guys are outdoors and they do free range much of the day and they share the outdoors with wild bird too. I clean the perches if they poop on it and once a week no matter what. Thank you so much!

 

[MaryW2K]

My Australorp pullets molted their first winter last year too, at about the same age. It was a partial molt; they lost feathers on their heads, necks, and tails.

Oh okay. Right different breeds will be different in many ways for sure. Thank you. I checked last night with a light up magnifying glass and no crawlies. I appreciate u sharing. Peace of mind is awesome.

 

[Sally PB]

Peace of mind is awesome

Don't I know that! Glad I could help.