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NOT a molt...but loosing feathers...??????

Discussion in 'Emergencies / Diseases / Injuries and Cures' started by blueheaven, May 1, 2011.

Most Liked Posts
  1. May 1, 2011 #1
    blueheaven

    blueheaven Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Mar 10, 2009
    Central Indiana
    my RIR has already molted a while back. her feathers have come in great. she is two.
    she is losing some color and is skinny.
    also...she is losing feathers on the underside of her. at the start of the breast.
    any ideas? a few spots are bare!

    she seems to be eating and i know she is still laying.,

    HELP please!!!
     
  3. May 1, 2011 #2
    schellie69

    schellie69 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Oct 8, 2009
    Kansas
    Have you checked for lice/mites
    Have your wormed them recently those are my 1st thoughts
     
  5. May 1, 2011 #3
    aggie9296

    aggie9296 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Jan 28, 2011
    Panama City, FL
    I would be concerned about worms if she is skinny and pale
     
  7. May 1, 2011 #4
    Axle Quails

    Axle Quails Chillin' With My Peeps

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    May 1, 2011
    London
    Loosing feathers - can be stress
     
  9. May 1, 2011 #5
    hennyannie

    hennyannie Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Mar 12, 2011
    North Carolina
    If you rule out the things mention above try some calf manna, just hand feed her a little a day.
     
  11. May 1, 2011 #6
    RhodeIslandRedFan

    RhodeIslandRedFan Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Dec 10, 2009
    Central PA
    Due to the combination of feather and weight loss, I would be checking for lice and mites as well, and would also be concerned about worms. Each of these can cause weight loss and poor conditioning. Here is an article that discusses how to check for lice and mites, and how to tell the difference between them. http://ohioline.osu.edu/vme-fact/0018.html

    If     they do not have lice or mites and you have never wormed your chickens, you can either have a fecal float done by a vet (fecal test to check for the presence of worms) or just worm them. If you decide to worm, others on here can give you advice on the best product to use.

    Here is an article about feather loss in chickens. http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/27_2704.htm
     
  13. May 1, 2011 #7
    blueheaven

    blueheaven Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Mar 10, 2009
    Central Indiana
    thanks for all the info.
    the other 7 chix are good.

    i might have quesitons about worming.
    i have never given them anything!!!
    i try to stay as natural as possible.

    thanks again!!!
     

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