Molting

[crookedtoe]

I have 7 chickens,6 of which have lost feathers only around the area under their tails and between their legs. it's been at least three months now and i'm still waiting for new feathers to grow. I live in CT. Winter's been long and snowy and cold. I have a timer with a light bulb thats goes on at 4 am so I'm giving them almost 14 hours of a light. Is this still considered a "molt"? They have plenty of feathers everywhere else and I am getting eggs everyday. I thought chickens stop laying when they molt.Can anyone give me some suggestion as to what my chickens are doing? Thanks! Terry

 

[JLS]

I have a couple hens that have the same issue. It is caused by feather picking by others in the flock. When new feathers grow in they are considered "blood feathers" due to the blood contained in the quill. This is VERY tasty for any chicken. Once they figure out that these new feathers are a treat they will continue to pick them out. I have used Pine Tar before. But unless you keep the spot covered all the time, in my experience, the issue will continue. I have heard it called "Baboon Butt".

 

[crookedtoe]

Thanks for the help! It makes sense because their butts are always red probably from the feathers being plucked out.Maybe something distasteful I can smear on their skin. I'll try it. Thanks!

 

[chezpoulet]

On yet another question related to molting- I am a first time chicken owner with five 12-week old pullets that are shedding feathers - I am assuming that they are just growing their "adult feathers" as they mature- this is normal right? I tried googling and searched the BYC for answers, but there is no mention of this junior molt .....

They are not bald or anything, I am just finding feathers all over the coop and run.....

They are growing up fast!

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Right, there is the first year molting into adult plumage. It will stop around age 18 to 20 weeks.