Losing feathers, mites?

[kalaim]

I'm not sure if I have a bug problem or not? I have four hens and three have missing feathers on their necks and chest. One just has it on her chest.

I tried looking for any sign of bugs etc. I didn't see anything moving around. On one of the black chicks it seemed like she had white speck on the tips of her face feathers that wouldn't come off, but I read that lice was more likely at the base of the feathers.

Should I treat the coop for lice or mites anyway, to see if that is the problem?

They really look like a sorry bunch!

And if I use Sevin dust on them and the coop, is it still ok to eat their eggs?

Thanks for any info!

 

[Ridgerunner]

This site night help you determine if it is mites or lice.

Ohio State – Mites and Lice
http://ohioline.osu.edu/vme-fact/0018.html

These two sites might help you determine if they are just molting or if it is something else.

Mississippi State describes molting
http://msucares.com/poultry/management/poultry_feathers.html

Kansas State feather loss
http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/lvstk2/mf2308.pdf

 

[kalaim]

Thanks, I did check those out and I didn't see anything like that.

I'll give a more thorough check tomorrow. It doesn't seem like molting either though.

Thanks!