Molt or Mites??

[urban escapee]

I have two birds (same breed and color) that look like this. Other than having this issue with their feathers, they seem to be healthy, good appetite, and energetic. I dont have any roosters in my flock at this time so I cant attribute it to rough play. I am hoping this is a molt and not mites, although there does seem to be alot of "dirt" on the feathers. My 9 other ladies dont have this issue.

I will do whatever I have to do my keep my ladies happy and healthy.


Back, just in front of the tail feathers

Right side under the wing

 

[GreenGoddess]

Definitely looks like feather mites to me...

Goddess

 

[urban escapee]

Thank you so much, I plan on picking up some more DE in the morning, should I be bathing them in anything else? and how long, if at all, should I delay eating any eggs from my ladies?

 

[Ukiah]

When my birds dust bathe, they get dirt all up under their feathers, so according to the pictures, I can't tell if the specks are dirt or what.
Look around the vent & under the wings. See any bugs? If you do, pick up some Sevin Dust. We picked some up at lowes. It's generally
used for dusting plants to keep bugs away, but many people, including myself dust birds with mites. Get it all up under the wings around
the vent, under feathers - dust the entire bird. And the coop aswell. It does not kill eggs, so repeat this process 10 days after the first dusting.

Mites are not fun, I am wishing you the best of luck for you and your birds.

 

[urban escapee]

For the most part, it looked like dirt to me and not bugs, but my husband thinks its the "leavings" from bugs. I am off to the store to get my cleaning supplies...I am so glad the weather is cooperating this week.