Molting hen growing whiskers not feathers

[grnidone]

All of my chickens had a heavy molt this year. Two hens lost nearly all their feathers at the same time. One is fully feathered now. The other seems to have cat’s whiskers growing in instead of her usual feathers. It’s really cold outside and I’m not sure what to do.

 

[Themellowyellows]

Wow! I have no clue! Here are some people that might know...

@Wyorp Rock
@Eggcessive

 

[Jener8or]

Have you dewormed her recently? I know Safeguard is known to cause feather issues if used while molting.

 

[Apis mellifera]

Silkie in the bloodlines? Is she a barnyard mix?

 

[grnidone]

Not a silke: silver laced Wyandotte.

And I last wormed this summer.

Today, I put some ivermectin on her back for deplummage mites for lack of anything else to do. (I didn’t see any sign of mites.)

I’m absolutely flummoxed by this. ???????

 

[grnidone]

Holy cow. Found this thread from 5 years ago.

She also had silver laced Wyandotte from Murray McMurray Hatchery with the same feather growth. Now I’m wondering if this is genetic?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/strange-wispy-feather-growth.1291793/

 

[Jener8or]

Hmm, I would just make sure she is eating a feed that is high enough in protein (17-20%). I'd recommend an All-Flock feed with oyster shell on the side. Hopefully she will do well and possibly regrow normal feathers after her next molt. Don't worm too close or during molting. Hopefully you get some more answers and it is interesting another SLW (from the same hatchery?) experienced the same problem.