Molt vs. Mites

[XanderWiFi]

Randomly found an odd feather pattern on one of my leghorns-or lack thereof rather. I routinely have "cuddle time" with all my chickens where I hold them, try to check out their feet and fold their feathers back along their neck and back inspecting for ticks, mites, bugs, irritated skin, bite marks....I have no idea what they look like, but I am sure I will know when I see it. Everything has been nice clean feathers in white healthy skin.

Yesterday though, my wife picked up a leghorn and I noticed a distinct bald patch on her under belly. No irritation, redness, bugs, bites. It was nice smooth chicken skin with the exception of one yellow scab healing over.

I know it is starting to warm up here. It is limited to this one bird alone and none of the others. I took out their old roost bar yesterday and cleaned out their coop-no bugs or anything except a dead yellow jacket in the window.

So the better question is: how does molting pattern start and if this does not sound like it what else should I do to inspect for parasites?

I know a picture would be most helpful. Working on it. Thanks in advance.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

Like this? First thought for me with bald underbelly is broody. They pluck themselves smooth. But a Leghorn is not exactly a broody breed. Not saying it could never happen but I’m sure it’s a pretty slim chance.

I’ll weigh in again after I see a picture. Hhhmmm

 

[MyISAbrownhens]

When molting you will gradually find an increase of feathers around your coop that they have lost and their feathers will usually start thinning on the whole chicken not just the one spot. You will probably see a decrease in egg production from that one hen too. It doesn’t sound like yours has mites, she might have just gotten into an argument with another chicken hence the scab that’s healing, but it doesn’t sound like something you need to worry about too much. Just keep an eye on her to make sure the spots not getting any worse and her behavior is normal.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Yesterday though, my wife picked up a leghorn and I noticed a distinct bald patch on her under belly. No irritation, redness, bugs, bites. It was nice smooth chicken skin with the exception of one yellow scab healing over.

Do you have some photos?

Sounds like a breast blister or a place where the feathers have been rubbed off while roosting and laying eggs.
How are your roosts made?

For help in mite/lice i.d. there's some good photos in this article: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification/

 

[XanderWiFi]

View attachment 1347940 Like this? First thought for me with bald underbelly is broody. They pluck themselves smooth. But a Leghorn is not exactly a broody breed. Not saying it could never happen but I’m sure it’s a pretty slim chance.

I’ll weigh in again after I see a picture. Hhhmmm

No picture yet but it is almost just like this, but only 1/2 the surface area. I did catch her sitting on the eggs this afternoon.

Our roosts WAS a 2x2 ladder deal they all were crammed in on. I just replaced it with two 6 ft 2x4 flat side up.

 

[XanderWiFi]

Great article post-thank you. Fortunately, outside some dirty booties on the white leghorns I have not seen anything based on the pictures.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

I would keep an eye on her. It could have been from the old roost. If she plucked them they will start to grow back. If the broke off she won’t have them until she molts.
That will be telling....

 

[XanderWiFi]

thanks all. Keeping an eye on her. There are definitely enough feathers around to match the possibility of her pulling or rubbing them out. Will see if things improve with the new roost.

I have caught her trying to cook the eggs before too!