Need help dealing with sick chicken: Local Oakland chicken friend?

[JulieAdams]

Hey all,

I'm in Oakland, near Lake Merritt. I have a chicken who has pulled all her neck feathers so probably has mites or other parasite. I am overwhelmed by all of the information on the internet and would love it if a friend would come over and advise/encourage me. Frankly, although I only have two chickens, the coop is a mess, my human life is kind of a mess, and I'm overwhelmed, period.

I can go buy some DE from the local supply store. I just don't know what to do with it, or if it will help, or what risk I am at by using it.

Help?

Julie

 

[Kiki]

I'm sorry you are having a tough time.
Let's see if we can help you out.

Could it be possible that the other chicken is pulling the neck feathers out?

Do you see any signs of lice on the bird itself?
Can you check them tonight, when it is dark with a flashlight for mites?

Here is a good article with pictures that shows what you can look for:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/mites-lice-treatment-and-prevention.64597/

What do you feed them?

What is the size of your coop?
I ask this because if chickens don't have enough room they can start pecking each other/pulling feathers out.

I would also advise on using a permethrin spray in your coop...every inch of it to get rid of mites and lice.

 

[JulieAdams]

I will look tonight. I only have 2 chickens and it's the dominant one who is losing neck feathers. The one who is usually pecked on is currently broody and not leaving nest box. Coop is fairly large - used to have 3 chickens. I forget dimensions. They are also free to range around the back yard. I've been afraid of using permethrin. Guess I'll have to put my big farmer-girl panties on...

 

[Kiki]

It's safe...even for humans.
Check this out from the EPA:
https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/repellent-treated-clothing

But I personally wouldn't use it unless I knew for sure there were pests.
Run a napkin under the roost bar to see if you have any specks of blood on it too.
(signs of mites)

Do you plan on trying to break your broody?
Is she still eating well?

 

[Kiki]

Could be the broody one attacking the other too.

 

[RAsChickens]

Hmm, I don't know. @oldhenlikesdogs

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

This time of year it's not unusual to see some feather loss in chickens. How old are your hens?

 

[JulieAdams]

They are 8 years old. But the feather loss is just around her neck. They're starting to grow back. I'd be surprised if the broody was attacking the other just because she's always been so completely at the bottom of the pecking order but maybe!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would suspect one is pulling the feathers off the other. Another option is they are rubbing them off. I still would get a good pyrethrin based poultry dust or spray and give them and the coop a good dusting just as a precaution. If your worried about using it wear rubber gloves and wear a dust mask.