Molting or parasites

[MyRedStarz]

Hi. I have 3 red star hens that are 2 years old. I've noticed one losing quite a bit of feathers a few weeks ago and now another one is. There has been a decrease in egg production. I checked the vent and down the shaft of the feathers of the most recent feather loser and did not see anything that would indicate an infestation. Just some occasional black specks. I'm really not quite sure if that would be mites are just some dirt specks in the feathers. I included a pic of one of my hens that l lost a lot of tail feathers. Any insights? I'm not sure if I should consider this molting or take action against mites...

 

[redsoxs]

Unless it's autumn going into winter where you are it isn't the molt. I know mine slack off laying during the heat. But that wouldn't explain the feather loss. Might want to give them a dousing of poultry dust - what could it hurt? Back to the decreased egg production...when we hit the heat of summer I always have a few birds that abandon the nest boxes and make a nest under a bush in the front yard. I don't fight it - just collect from there, too. So, if it's hot where you are and your birds free range, listen for the egg song coming from a cool shady place!

 

[MyRedStarz]

Thanks. I'm in Florida and its Hot here. I thought molting took place in the summer? Anyone else could weigh in?

 

[dawg53]

It's not molt. Black specks could be mites. Mites suck blood, will cause anemia, then death. Mites move slowly or not at all, look closely with a magnifying glass if you have to. If it's not mites, then one of them is a feather picker. Redsoxs is correct, hens slack off laying during hot temps.

 

[MyRedStarz]

Thanks for the replies. I will dust them and revamp their coop this week. Hopefully things will start to look up from there.