I have a 1 1/2 year old hen who is loosing feathers on her head and now her neck. This has been going on all summer. I don't feel that it is molting. Some of my other hens are molting and it doesn't look the same. Her skin is not broken but in places looks red. She is still bright eyed and active, she eats well but seems to be losing feathers and it seems to be getting worse. I have tried to check her for lice and mites and I have not been able to see anything. Does anyone have any thoughts?
Time for a bug check. Lice and mites can cause feather loss. ETA- check her with a flashlight after dark concentrating on the vent area. Mites are active after dark.
Birds do not all moult at the same rate. 18 month old birds are likely to be going through their first major moult. That having been said, there are also bugs that can be in play along with your hen's other flock mates.
