New to raising chickens

[rjkold]

Can anyone tell me why my girl is losing feathers from her neck and chest? I'm new to raising chickens, its been since March. The girls are about 3-4 year olds. I have 8 in total. She seems fine, eating and laying eggs regularly.

 

[CindyinSD]

It looks like she's having a bit of a molt. Molting allegedly happens in the fall but really it can happen any time. Sometimes they molt a lot; sometimes only a little. Sometimes they'll have bare spots, sometimes all you will notice is a few more feathers in the coop/run/lawn than has been customary. Sometimes (usually with a heavier molt) they'll stop laying; sometimes they won't even blink. It sounds like she's doing fine with it. Just give her a little pampering if you like--a scrambled or boiled egg, some plain yogurt, some leftover (well-done) meat... anything high in protein--or just a higher protein feed.

 

[rjkold]

Thank you. I'll keep an eye on her.

 

[rjkold]

Can anyone tell me why my girl is losing feathers from her neck and chest? I'm new to raising chickens, its been since March. The girls are about 3-4 year olds. I have 8 in total. She seems fine, eating and laying eggs regularly.

I'm still not seeing any new feathers growing and it's October. Do I need to cover it during the colder months? Another one of my chickens lost feathers on the back of her neck but feathers are growing back.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Has she been losing feathers since March or are you new to raising since March?

 

[rjkold]

Has she been losing feathers since March or are you new to raising since March?

New to raising since March. Noticed this in June. And I've seen her pluck more feathers out.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Have you checked for mites or lice? Trying to figure out why she is doing the plucking.

 

[rjkold]

No I haven't. I'm not quite sure how to look for them, especially near the vent. She hasn't lost much more but still bare on her chest. When do the feathers grow back? Do I need to protector from cold?

 

[CluckerFamily]

I would look at night with a headlamp on. Check by vent, just part the feathers to see to the skin, hopefully you don't see any little bug run away. Check under the wings and under the chin. If they have lice or mites (hopefully they don't) then if you treat that the feathers will grow back.
My other question is does she roost on the roost or sleep on the ground? Sleeping on the ground could cause the feathers to be missing.
How cold is it by you? Some of mine have molted into winter when there is snow on the ground.

 

[rjkold]

Thanks for the tips. I'll try that. I haven't really handled them to check vents, just to pick up and hold once and awhile. We live in Michigan so cold weather is on the way. Darryl roosts on the bar not on the floor.