Newbie wondering about my birds-feathers

[max13077]

I've noticed recently that some of my chickens are losing feathers near the base of their tails. I thought at first it was picking by other birds. However it's happened to almost all of them and a couple are just about bare. Any ideas?

 

[debilorrah]

How old are they?

 

[Year of the Rooster]

There are two possibilites: 1. Do you have a roo? If so then your roo may be mating them too much. 2. They could be in the middle of molting.

 

[max13077]

They're about 8 months old. I do have a roo, but I introduced him only a couple weeks ago. They were already losing them then.

 

[debilorrah]

Hmmmm. They shouldn't be molting yet. Have you noticed any adverse behavior from any of them?

 

[kstaven]

Have you checked for mites in the coop?

 

[max13077]

They don't seem to be acting any different than normal. Nothing I've noticed anyway.

I haven't check for mites. What should I look for? How do I treat them if they in fact do have them?

 

[d.k]

*Watch for head-scratching, excessive preening, hens pulling feathers out whole, excessive dustbathing. Look for "dirt" at the base of the comb in the creases, around ears, eyes, gathered in a ring around the legs where the feathers end on the legs, around the vent. Wear light enough clothing while holding/carrying/cuddling your birds and you may see this "dirt" move on you!! Scrape some of the "dirt" with half an white index card and pinpoints of "dirt" may move on the card. (Makes me itchy just writing about it!!

)

 

[max13077]

How do I get rid of them if they are in fact there? I have noticed the birds dustbathing a lot...:|