Molt thats not ending.

[Leatherworker]

I have 15 chickens, they all went through or are going through molt. One of them, who started first is just not getting her feathers back. The ones that are back are ragged and curly looking. She is a lavender orpington. I have heard some of them have these strange feathering. I am concerned for her as its way past time for the feathers to have all returned. Its that the ones that have come in look so weird, like the feathers have been chewed, just ragged and twisted looking. Is something wrong? she keeps to herself and hides, which some of them do when molting, its just not normal this time. Any thoughts?

 

[FarmerGirl101]

Sometimes it just takes a while. When did she start molting? What are you feeding them? Upping protein will help them molt faster.

 

[Yardmom]

I believe there is a feather shredding gene sometimes connected to lavender. A picture might help those more knowledgeable know if this is what it is.

 

[Leatherworker]

Sometimes it just takes a while. When did she start molting? What are you feeding them? Upping protein will help them molt faster.

About 6 weeks ago. And I have been giving them high protein food as well as the mealworm larve for more protein. I have made them a mash with some 40% cat food protein a few times to help boost them. The others are recovering very quickly, but not her.

 

[Leatherworker]

I believe there is a feather shredding gene sometimes connected to lavender. A picture might help those more knowledgeable know if this is what it is.

Yes thats the one I heard about. She always has had a bit of a swirl in places in her feathering, but shredding feathers is a good description of whats coming in now. She has places with nothing coming back at all, like on her neck and some lower parts. She always had very thick feathers, but this is sparce. I will take a photo and post it tomorrow.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

About 6 weeks ago. And I have been giving them high protein food as well as the mealworm larve for more protein. I have made them a mash with some 40% cat food protein a few times to help boost them. The others are recovering very quickly, but not her.

That isn't long. Some take longer than that. What is the protein content in the feed? Continue giving them high protein treats on the side.