New owner... Need Help... whole flock is loosing feathers

[jeanie1998]

They were fine until it got cold. I put a heat lamp in the coop. The next thing i know their feathers are coming out. I removed the lamp but the feather loss has gotten worse and now it's a irritated Red Skin red in color.

 

[HouseCat]

They're most likely molting. It happens every spring and fall. It's caused by temperature change and change in length of daylight. If it's the middle of winter (20F in the coop) and you put a heater in the coop that raises the temp 20-30 degrees, that would be enough to trigger a molt. Chicken legs, face, and other exposed skin will turn red as blood supply increases along with the warmer weather. I hope this helped.
hc

 

[jeanie1998]

Thanks for the info... i was under the impression that they wouldn't do that all at the same time. Wow... i have alot to learn but I am enjoying my new friends alot.

thanks again