Mites or Molting?

[henmommy]

Hi All, I have 13 hens that are just over 1 years old. Several on them are missing feathers on their necks and back near tail feathers). One looks pretty "maingy" all over. Vent area is fully feathered. I have been treating for mites, but never really knew for sure if they. Egg laying seems to be reduced, as well. I can try to get some pictures later today, but thought I'd ask the experts...

Thanks

 

[henmommy]

Some pics:

 

[Ridgerunner]

You are looking at them in person and can tell better than us. These sites should help.

It could easily be molting but I always recommend the feather loss site just to be sure. Feather loss is usually no big deal but it can be a sign of a problem and, as I said, you can see things we can only guess at.

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

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

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

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts. They are probably molting. Also they can go through different molts. Some molts can be heavier than others and also their egg laying usually drops off and may even stop while they are molting. Look them over good first to determine if they have any mites.