Mites eating feathers?

[KRack]

So I haven’t seen any mites when I’ve checked the chickens. They had brown or red mites in the summer but elector PSP took care of them. I’ve tried ivermectin drops, elector PSP, and lately I did a permethrin powder application because it was too cold for me to try anything wet with them outside. Anyone know what’s happening to my chickens feathers and what I should do for them?

 

[KRack]

Sorry they’re not the best pictures. The chickens got wet today since the weather was slightly above freezing. I can try to get better pictures later if they’d be more helpful.

 

[Eggcessive]

Is this affecting most of the chickens or just the one? There may be some feather picking going on. It can happen if they are overcrowded or not getting outside in the yard to roam, and also from a lack of protein in a balanced chicken feed.

 

[KRack]

Is this affecting most of the chickens or just the one? There may be some feather picking going on. It can happen if they are overcrowded or not getting outside in the yard to roam, and also from a lack of protein in a balanced chicken feed.

It’s affecting all the chickens. I only have 4. I buy organic layer crumbles, I can find the brand if it’d help. Their coop is plenty big (I think it’s 4ft x 5ft with 3 nesting boxes) and they free range during the day.

 

[KRack]

Anyone else have a suggestion?

 

[Eggcessive]

Feather mites might be a concern, but feather picking is much more common. Feather mites can be treated with ivermectin pour-on 5mg per ml, at a dose of 0.1 ml per every 2 pounds of weight. Then repeat it in 14 days. It is not approved for poultry, so I would use an egg withdrawal time of 2 weeks. So, for that reason, I would look more closely to see if they are picking each other’s feathers. Spend time and watch them, especially when going to roost, and first thing in the morning. Pinless peepers can be used for the peckers. Consider adding more room, increase protein in the feed to 20%, and let them out to range to prevent boredom.

 

[KRack]

Feather mites might be a concern, but feather picking is much more common. Feather mites can be treated with ivermectin pour-on 5mg per ml, at a dose of 0.1 ml per every 2 pounds of weight. Then repeat it in 14 days. It is not approved for poultry, so I would use an egg withdrawal time of 2 weeks. So, for that reason, I would look more closely to see if they are picking each other’s feathers. Spend time and watch them, especially when going to roost, and first thing in the morning. Pinless peepers can be used for the peckers. Consider adding more room, increase protein in the feed to 20%, and let them out to range to prevent boredom.

I have watched them closely, I’ve never seen them pick each others feathers, even roosting in the evening. They’ve been together for 2 years now (hatched out together) and this is the first I’ve had issues. They have an automatic door that opens at 6am and they don’t get shut in until 6:30pm when it’s past dark. They free range on about 3 acres all day every day, so they shouldn’t be bored. Their coop is more than big enough as I said above, so it can’t be a space issue. This is the feed I use…
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/natures-best-organic-egg-layer-crumbles-40-lb

I tried ivermectin in that way already and it didn’t seem to work. I’m very confused!

 

[KRack]

Bump.

 

[Eggcessive]

I might increase the protein to a 20% all flock feed or supplement the 16% layer with some egg, rinsed tuna, or a tiny bit of cat food. If all flock, or flock raiser is used, the layers will need some crushed oyster shell available in a separate container. Otherwise, I don’t know what else it could be, or how to help.

 

[KRack]

I might increase the protein to a 20% all flock feed or supplement the 16% layer with some egg, rinsed tuna, or a tiny bit of cat food. If all flock, or flock raiser is used, the layers will need some crushed oyster shell available in a separate container. Otherwise, I don’t know what else it could be, or how to help.

Ok, I’ll try increasing protein. At least it’s different than anything I’ve tried so far lol