Mites or no mites?

[Beachykeen]

I have an EE that started slowly losing the feathers at the base of her back and just above her tail about 3 months ago. Nothing alarming just noticeable. She is now mostly bawled in that area and looks stressed. Her blue eggs also have a coarse black dust that I thought was just...dust but now I am not sure. No other hens (i have 4 ) are going thru this. I use DE everywhere and have since this past January. I do not see mites on her or on any feathers that have dropped. Her skin is stabbing up. Any help please!

 

[Haunted55]

How old is she and are you sure she isn't going through a molt? Are there any new feathers coming? The black dust could be coming from the DE. Chickens will dust in their shavings or in a dusting box, they really don't care.

Another question, have you checked her and the others at night when they are on the roost? This is the best time to check for mites. use a flashlight and check the base of the feathers near the skin.

 

[Year of the Rooster]

Do you have a rooster or has a hen taken on the role of the dominant one of the flock and mounting the other hens? Perhaps the others are pecking at her also?

 

[Beachykeen]

My hens will be a year old in October so I don't think her age is a problem. I know they can look bad in a molt but I did not think that happend until the Fall. We are not allowed to have roosters so I know that's not the source of the problem. I don't think she is growing any new feathers and her tail feathers are stripped clean to the shaft.

 

[Haunted55]

Molts happen when the bird decides to have it happen. I have one just coming out of one now. I would check in the evening when they are going to roost and see if you don't have a picker. If you find one or more of your hens are causing this I would look for a product called Phooey. Pet store, dog section. It is a spray you use to discourage chewing with dogs and it works ever so well with chickens too. Spray the poor girl with the stuff and the others will learn quickly to leave her alone. If it's not mites or lice, or a molt or disease, I'll bet this is what is needed.

 

[Beachykeen]

Haunter55, thanks for the info. I will look for the Phooey today. This is my first time raising chickens and I want to give them and me a fair chance.

 

[casportpony]

Do an experiment, buy some poultry dust, 'cause DE doesn't work, dust her, put her in a box on white paper towels, cover the box and come back 45 minutes later, I bet you'll find bugs.

-Kathy