Molting, or something else

[Stinkypete10]

I have an almost 2 yr old hen that started what I assumed was molting about last November. She lost lots of feathers almost her whole tail, But she never really got them back. She is still very scraggly looking so I’m wondering if it wasn’t molting at all. And something else I need to fix. She is the only one like this. She is acting normal otherwise. She won’t let me catch her to check for mites or lice. Not sure how to help her.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Can you take her off of the roost at night to check for mites or lice? That is usually the easiest time to catch them. If she has mites or lice the others do too so I doubt that is the problem but it is always a good idea to check.

Did you worm her (or the flock) during or after the molt. Certain wormers can cause the feathers to grow back really weird like that on some chickens. Did you medicate her for anything?

So she was 1-1/2 years old when she had her first adult molt. I assume her feathers were normal before that. I've had hens change colors and patterns during that molt but nothing like that. I've never heard of frizzle or sizzle feathers coming out then but not before.

The others are normal so this is an individual hen issue, not a flockwide problem. I would not treat the entire flock hoping to fix this on one hen.

You say she is acting normal. Is she laying normal eggs? If you hatch your own eggs I would not hatch hers in case it is genetic.

Not sure where you are located. If you are in the US I'd call your county extension office and chat with them. They might be able to hook you up with a poultry science specialist at your state land grant university that will take an interest.

It is fascinating but as long as she is acting normal I'd probably wait until after the next molt before I tried anything. Frankly, I don't have any idea what to try anyway.

 

[Mrs. K]

Could these be depluming mites? or Feather mites? They cause the fuzzy feather look.

 

[Stinkypete10]

Could these be depluming mites? or Feather mites? They cause the fuzzy feather look.

I’m not sure she won’t let me catch her. She is quick! I’ll keep trying. Where exactly should I look to see them? This is the first time I have dealt with anything like this.
I use first Saturday lime in the coop and the run. I thought that would be enough to keep mites away. But I’m definitely still learning.

 

[Stinkypete10]

Can you take her off of the roost at night to check for mites or lice? That is usually the easiest time to catch them. If she has mites or lice the others do too so I doubt that is the problem but it is always a good idea to check.

Did you worm her (or the flock) during or after the molt. Certain wormers can cause the feathers to grow back really weird like that on some chickens. Did you medicate her for anything?

So she was 1-1/2 years old when she had her first adult molt. I assume her feathers were normal before that. I've had hens change colors and patterns during that molt but nothing like that. I've never heard of frizzle or sizzle feathers coming out then but not before.

The others are normal so this is an individual hen issue, not a flockwide problem. I would not treat the entire flock hoping to fix this on one hen.

You say she is acting normal. Is she laying normal eggs? If you hatch your own eggs I would not hatch hers in case it is genetic.

Not sure where you are located. If you are in the US I'd call your county extension office and chat with them. They might be able to hook you up with a poultry science specialist at your state land grant university that will take an interest.

It is fascinating but as long as she is acting normal I'd probably wait until after the next molt before I tried anything. Frankly, I don't have any idea what to try anyway.

Thanks for your reply. Her feathers were normal before, I’m not sure if she is still laying as I have several that lay the same color as hers. So I can’t be sure. But she is acting normal otherwise. I’ll try contacting the extension office as you suggested. Thank you.