No rooster, but losing feathers

[dhansen]

I have 16 hens and no roosters. They are free range, although have a coop where their food and water is. Several of the hens are almost bare, with no feathers on their back and wings. One has a naked belly, but looks good otherwise. All are laying eggs and haven't slowed down. I haven't seen any pecking, but I don't watch them 24/7 either. Any ideas?

 

[tat2edlady]

you might have a mite problem or if hens are older they might be going into a moult, but the one with bare belly sounds like she is going broody.

but I might be wrong.

Mindy

 

[SpottedCrow]

Barebelly may be trying to go broody; that's one of the signs.

The other birds may be picking and eating the feathers off each other.

 

[dhansen]

So....What do I do about it if they are pulling each other's feathers off? I've never seen them do it. I did use some dust stuff that was supposed to help with mites.
Debbie

 

[tiki244]

If they are eating feathers I think it is a vitamin deficiency. I wish I knew what to tell you to do about it though.

 

[tiki244]

you can check for mites and lice too. Look by their vent and under their wings. Blow the feathers out of the way or spread with you finger and look closely. Another place they like to congregate is by the head.

Also you could pluck a feather (body) and look at the shaft that is closest to the body. If the feather down is all crusty and globbed together than that is a sign of mites. Then you would need to treat for these little creatures again.

 

[dhansen]

Thanks,
I'll try that and go from there.
debbie

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

I've seen some funky looking chickens that were just molting. Do you think that's what it is??

 

[dhansen]

These chickens literally have no feathers on their wings and backs. No blood, just no feathers either. Very strange.
debbie