My 8 month old hen stopped laying and her feathers are odd.

[Theck1722]

This girl started laying at about 6 months old. She went on to lay eggs for about 6 weeks then has stopped. I’ve watched her and dewormed her and just been waiting it out. Now I see that she has lots of new feathers coming in and several coming out easily. Could she be molting or what am I missing? Please help! I don’t see any bugs on her.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Most of mine that age are molting. They don’t look as rough as my older hens but I can see their feathers lying around so I know it’s happening. Not only can a molt stop egg laying but as days get shorter they will lay less or not at all. Her comb is still red so it’s also possible she has a hidden nest somewhere.

 

[Theck1722]

Most of mine that age are molting. They don’t look as rough as my older hens but I can see their feathers lying around so I know it’s happening. Not only can a molt stop egg laying but as days get shorter they will lay less or not at all. Her comb is still red so it’s also possible she has a hidden nest somewhere.

That makes me feel better. I have an older flock and they are 17 months old and not even all of them have molted yet. I didn’t know they would do it this young. The red comb is the only thing that has given me hope that she isn’t too sick. She looks puny but I think it’s just from feather loss. I hope! She acts normal from what I can tell.

 

[Mrs. K]

Look up depluming mites. I am wondering if she has those. Some birds are more susceptible to them, and they cause the feathers to be wispy like that.

 

[Theck1722]

Look up depluming mites. I am wondering if she has those. Some birds are more susceptible to them, and they cause the feathers to be wispy like that.

Oh no! Okay, I will look into that. Do you know a good treatment?