Lose of head feathers

[familyfarm1]

Hello everyone! one of my favorite hens has lost almost all her head feathers. sorry for the poor quality
Breed: Mutt
Gender: Female (of course (; )
age: 1
pecking order: bottom


Her head does not seem to be hurting her in anyway. I can not see any mites or anything.

this is what she used to look like:



thanks for all the help!

 

[Stiggy]

looks like she is either being picked on or has mites. the mites that affect the head ate tiny white/ clear things so it is hard to see them, they can also affect the face and swell things up and look horrible. olive oil/ cooking oil to the back of the neck just below the bald line, and on her face round her cheeks, lobes etc each day or every second day should help but it can take a month or so. after the first fortnight it will only need to be done 1-2 times a week

 

[familyfarm1]

Thank you! One more question, don't mites spread though?

 

[Stiggy]

Tthey can, though with this type of mite I have never seen it go further than the lower neck other than the face. Hence I said that putting the oil down just below the feather loss is a good idea. Do let me know if this helps at all

 

[familyfarm1]

Ok. Thanks so much!!

 

[MyPetNugget]

Hi!! I am having the same problem and it isn't from roosters because we don't have any. Will try this thanks!!!

 

[Suzie]

Check her legs for scaly leg mites....they can also affect the head of chickens...if she has raised leg scales that could be the reason...

 

[MyPetNugget]

Check her legs for scaly leg mites....they can also affect the head of chickens...if she has raised leg scales that could be the reason...

Thanks for your reply!!

I just checked her legs and they look clean, and all the scales are in place and not raised... But like if I put olive oil of something on her head will the feathers ever grow back of will she just be mite-free?

 

[Suzie]

If she has mites then she will need to be treated with Sevin Dust or Permethryn...olive oil will not rid your flock of any mites...if you suspect mites then the birds, nesting boxes and the coop need treating and all bedding removed and burned...re-treat all in 7-10 days to eradicate any hatching mites.

The feathers will grow back whether the problem is due to mites or that she may be being pecked by her flock mates...maybe try putting some blue-kote on her head...it may help deter any pecking from her flockmates..