Moulting ? this time of the year ?

[mikehjkl]

Moulting ? this time of the year ? I have 7 hens (3 buff Orpingtons and 4 black laced Wyandottes) and all of them seem to be moulting. From their neck to their tail, they are covered on down, no real feathers. And one has a bald spot back there. We are in Southern Colorado and still having frost at night. Is this winter moulting normal.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Can you share pictures, and more information? How old are they? How big of a set up? Are you running any extra lights? What are you feeding?

It's not impossible for a bird to go through a full body molt out of season. It is odd that multiple birds have lost feathers. I have never seen every one of my birds molt at the same time. With the wound I wonder if you have some feather picking going on.

Also check them for external parasites.

 

[mikehjkl]

I will try to get a picture or two. Just noticed my post should have said "covered in down" not "on down"

 

[mikehjkl]

Not the best picture, but I think you can see my concern.

 

[mikehjkl]

The chickens are 2 years old, and no extra lights. Their yard is 10 x 32 ft, plus the 8 x 10 coop.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Have you checked for external parasites? I will tag @aart for some extra help.

 

[aart]

Did they molt last fall.....then only grew that fuzz back?
Not sure what would cause that.
What all and how exactly are you feeding?


My Bug Check notes:
Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

Good post about mite ID by Lady McCamley:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-chicken-has-mites-now-what.1273674/page-2#post-20483008

 

[mikehjkl]

They did molt last fall, and went into the winter fully feathered. I will check for mites tonight, in the meantime, thanks for your help/advice !

 

[aart]

They did molt last fall, and went into the winter fully feathered.

That's really strange then....all of them are like that?
A closer and clearer pic might help.