Is this the start of a molt? Or something else?

[jdfette]

Hoping you can help me. My black Australorp is a little over 1 yr old. About 10 days ago, she started to lose feathers on the back of her head. See attached photos. Is this the beginning of a molting process? Or is it the sign of some disease or infection? If so, what is it and what treatment do you suggest?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Sneebsey]

They oughtn't moult at this time of year. Do you have a cockerel? I've seen this in hens that are the main squeeze of some cockerels. At this time of year, hormones are running wild.

I'd also check for lice; on a black bird like this they should be highly visible as yellowish bugs running along underneath the feathers, or as white eggs at the base of the feather shaft; have a check under her wings.

 

[snow5164]

I’ve seen that from others pecking .. infact my poor silkie looked horrible because her head was almost bald! We added another feeder and water and her feathers are growing back

 

[coach723]

While it's possible that a molt could happen now (I actually have one in molt now), that doesn't really look like molt to me. It looks like either rooster damage or feather picking/bullying. It's always a good idea to check for lice/mites, just to be safe anytime there is feather loss. Then spend some time watching them to see what's going on with her.

 

[jdfette]

Thanks much for the replies. It appears it is not lice and merely the result of an aggressive young rooster. He bites the back of the hen's neck when he mounts them. Hopefully, it will be less of an issue over time as he matures.

 

[bruceha2000]

Yes it does look like damage from another chicken. Though I'm a bit worried about how puffy her eye looks.