Missing feathers

[mstkseavey]

I have an EE who is low in the pecking order. She is missing some feathers on her head due to a rooster before I got her and then my top hen. The feathers are missing but no blood. Her skin is slick. . Will those feathers ever grow back? I have put some Vetermyacin on it. Should I treat it with antibiotic or anything?

 

[Eggcessive]

They may grow in in a couple of weeks, but at least by the next molt they should come in.

 

[mstkseavey]

When hens molt so they loose all their feathers? How long does it take for a molt cycle? Do they loose a few at a time or go naked? Is there a season for molting? Can you tell I am a new chicken momma? Lol

 

[Eggcessive]

In my experience they will molt over anywhere from 1 month to 6 weeks on average. Some will take 2-3 months. Some chickens will loose huge amounts of feathers and some will lose so few at a time you hardly realize they are molting. Here is a good link: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2011/12/molting-what-is-it-and-how-to-manage-it.html

 

[mstkseavey]

How old are they when they start this molting business? I can't wait to read the link! Thank you!

 

[Eggcessive]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chickens-loosing-feathers-managing-your-flocks-molt

 

[mstkseavey]

Great read. Thank you for sharing. My girls about about 20-24 weeks and I have not noticed anything extreme in the molting department. I am hoping they will lay before they molt!! I haven't gotten a single egg yet! And now with the decreased light from early sun downs... Not sure I will get eggs!