New member

[Krusac]

hi
I live in a subdivision in the country.
I have 4 chickens that were given to me by a farmer friend that has over 40 chickens.
I got them as adults over a year ago.
I really like having them. I get 3 to 4 eggs every day.
I joined because I have questions and hope this site can help with my questions

I have a white and black speckled chicken. She has been a good layer utilthelaxt 4 weeks. I was gone fora week ( neighbors took care of the chickens). When I got back she had lost a considerable amount of weight and is loosing her feathers like crazy.
None of the other chickens seem to be having this problem.
1. I am concerned she might have a disease that the others might get????
2. If she does start laying would her eggs be safe to eat?

Looking forward to your reply’s
Krusac

 

[ronott1]

Welcome to Backyard chickens!

She likely looks skinny because of not having those fluffy feathers!
She is likely molting.

Look up molting in the learningcenter

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/chicken-coops.12/

 

[Allie❤️Chickens]

Sorry about your chickens and hope you find some answers! Also hope you like it here!

 

[Lazy Farmer]

. Maybe just molting.. Good to inspect for mites or other parasites and dust if needed.
Welcome to the site...

 

[drumstick diva]

Thank you for joining us at Backyard chickens.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Sounds as if your hen is molting. Her eggs will be fine to eat when she resumes laying.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to Backyardchickens.com aka BYC!
We are glad you joined our flock.
Jump right in and make yourself at home.


This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

http://articles.extension.org/pages/69065/feeding-chickens-for-egg-production

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. You have some great advice already, so I'll just say hello

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Krusac Welcome!

If you have time, some pictures of her will definitely help but I agree that she could be moulting. Can you see pin feathers at all? This is Dusty during a hard moult, you can easily see the pin feathers coming through:

I agree also that mites or lice can also produce the signs that you are seeing but if one is infested then all will be infested and would be showing similar signs.

I do hope that she is just moulting as even though it is hard on her, it would still be the lesser evil. I also hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've joined us