My chickens are sick - lost feathers on breasts

[redsullivan]

I recently had a chicken who got sick and died. She started with a thinning tail but seemed fine. Then suddenly she lost the feathers on her breast, got very thin/weak and died. I now have two more who have lost the feathers on their breasts and have the thinning tails - they seem ok health wise so far but I'm scared. Does anyone know what this might be?

 

[easttxchick]

It could be lice/mites.
I'd dust them with some Sevin dust(avoid the eyes/face).

 

[redsullivan]

Thank you! I will try that.

Darlene