Molting question

[hawkie95]

My chickens live in a pole barn with outside freedom weather permitting. I currently have 3 Rhode Island Reds, 2 Silkies, 1 Barbed Rock hen & 2 Americanas. One of the reds is losing feathers like crazy. She looks pretty shabby. There are patches where her feathers were lost. I've been reading about molting, lice & mites to determine the cause. She acts normal, I've looked & dont really see anything but not sure of my findings. The molting pattern is in order except she did not lose any feathers on her head. Have had her @ a 1 1/2 years. This is first time I've seen this. Other chickens look fine thus far. Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Live in Chicago area so have Chicago weather. Thank you in advance.

 

[JDchicks]

Welcome to BYC!

Glad to have you join. Most likely she is molting, but hard to say without pictures.

Your best bet is to also post your question in the emergency, disease, injuries and cures. BYCers love to help.

Posting some pictures will assist in telling whether its just molting and/or diagnose the problem. Hope everythng turns out okay.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

 

[TwoCrows]

Sounds like molting. All birds replace their feathers when they get too worn out. Look closely at the new feathers. They should look like pin feathers...prickly looking with skins over the growing feathers. As she preens these, you will see white dust all over her body. These are these skins coming off.

Great to have you aboard and enjoy BYC!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! X3 sounds she is molting. Do double check for mites & lice, a magnifying glass helps, and be sure to check the roosts/coop, especially at night since some mites don't stay on the birds all the time. The Poultry Site has a good article on molting. http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/217/moulting-a-natural-process

 

[hawkie95]

Thank you. Will go out there w/ magnifying glass. All the chickens except the 2 silkies roost high on poles at night.

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[gander007]

Alright

great to have ya here

 

[roostersandhens]

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome to BYC!