not sure if leghorn is sick

[mtpeke]

I have 7 birds (3 leghorns) and just today I noticed that the one leghorn has gone from a normally perfectly snow white head to one that looks dirty. In two spots it is a bit bald like a couple feathers have fallen out. The head also has these little black dirt like places on it, that look like little small black dirt dots on the end of the feathers. The bird is eating and behaving normally otherwise. Is this molting? The birds are less than a year old.

 

[Angelpoo]

My guess is she is molting. when a bird molts the feathers fall out, like our teeth being pushed out by new ones. Then you will see the stem of the feather... slowely the feathery part will grow from the stem. some birds will molt a little bit before a year. Not usually a full molt, but they sence the cool weather come and are preparing a bit.

hope this helps,
Beautiful Jade

 

[mtpeke]

thanks! The affected area is still just the head and neck. She seems otherwise happy and healthy. I am hoping this is molting as I do not see any lice or nits on her.