Pale comb & face. Losing feathers.

[Shaynaf]

Not an emergency but wondering what this could be. I have buff orphington chickens that are about 9 months old. They were all very healthy and fluffy looking. But Over the last week I have noticed the smaller one getting very pale on her face and comb and losing feathers/ her fluff. She stands out next to my other girls and looks very different than before and it happened suddenly. I thought it was a molting thing but they seem to be young for that and my other girls are not having this issue. Any suggestions on what this is? She is eating and moving around normally so no major concerns besides her sudden change in looks/color. The first pictures is the pale one. Then the last pics are my other girls and how they usually look for comparison.

 

[GodLovesU]

Have you checked her for mites?

 

[Shaynaf]

Have you checked her for mites?

I did look today and didn’t see anything. I will try and look again tomorrow. But I was thinking mites too but my other chickens are all fine besides her. Maybe I should look for mites on all of them tomorrow in case I missed something or didn’t look well enough

 

[GodLovesU]

I did look today and didn’t see anything. I will try and look again tomorrow. But I was thinking mites too but my other chickens are all fine besides her. Maybe I should look for mites on all of them tomorrow in case I missed something or didn’t look well enough

Check around their faces and vents.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Any suggestions on what this is? She is eating and moving around normally so no major concerns besides her sudden change in looks/color. The first pictures is the pale one. Then the last pics are my other girls and how they usually look for comparison.

Mini molt would be another consideration, that's not terribly uncommon. I was surprised the first time it happened here, also at the 9 month mark. Despite being the same breed, they each have their own genetics. Are you able to tell if she's also quit laying?

Noting that checking for parasites is best done after dark with a flash light (or hed lamp) in my experience. In addition to looking for the parasites themselves (running away from the light) and/or their eggs.. take notice of the skin condition.. standard light pink and smooth or angry red?

 

[Eggcessive]

Some mites only come on them at night in the dark, and hide in the coop during the day.

 

[Shaynaf]

Some mites only come on them at night in the dark, and hide in the coop during the day.

Oh wow okay. That could be a possibility! I checked her in the day which could be why I didn’t see anything. I will check her at night

 

[Shaynaf]

Mini molt would be another consideration, that's not terribly uncommon. I was surprised the first time it happened here, also at the 9 month mark. Despite being the same breed, they each have their own genetics. Are you able to tell if she's also quit laying?

Noting that checking for parasites is best done after dark with a flash light (or hed lamp) in my experience. In addition to looking for the parasites themselves (running away from the light) and/or their eggs.. take notice of the skin condition.. standard light pink and smooth or angry red?

Thank you for sharing that! I wasn’t sure if that was possible so that is so helpful to me! I checked her in the day,but I definitely am going to check her in the night tonight. That could be why I didn’t see anything. But one question..if there are mites on her would all of my other chickens have mites as well? Should I check them all? I’m assuming yes? Idk if you know this answer but hoping you have some insight! Ty!!!!

 

[Eggcessive]

Yes, I would treat all hens if you find mites on one. Most people use permethrin (Prozap) garden dust put in a sock to dust the chickens all over. Repeat it at 7 day intervals for mites until no more are found. The coop should also be treated with permethrin spray once all bedding is removed from coop and nests. Get the roosts and walls. They sell Martins or Gordons permethrin 10 at TSC, which is mixed with water 1 tsp per quart or 20 ml per gallon of water, and used in a spray bottle or garden sprayer. That will last for 30 days.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

But one question..if there are mites on her would all of my other chickens have mites as well? Should I check them all? I’m assuming yes?

Yes, it's always good to check them all.. once a month if possible.. My personal experience required no treatment for about 5 years and then one year lice showed up.. after 2 treatments with the permethrin based spray product (according to directions), several years went by before any treatment was needed again.. impacted by things which include wildlife pressure, soil type, weather patterns, etc.

According to studies I've read.. 90% of parasites were found on 10% of the flock in California back yards.. this is due to different genetics, different immune systems, different foraging and bathing habits.

If one is found with parasites, then it's advisable to treat the entire flock.. so that untreated birds don't become otherwise easy targets to keep the parasite lifecycle unbroken.

Anecdotally and for example, I recently had to treat my dogs for fleas.. One dogs was loaded (she has some lousy genetic issues causing poor quality dry fur), A second one with good quality fur had barely anything but still some activity, and the third had nothing (super shiny slick fur). The one that was loaded with the poor quality fur also spends lots of time under the shade tree while the other 2 do not. They all 3 sleep in the same bed and all got treated.. which unfortunately means a trip to the vet because nothing over the counter works in my current humid location, despite having excellent results at our previous desert location.

Another way to check for those night time (roost mites) is to wipe under the roost using a white paper towel and look for smears on the towel.

Though less common.. depluming mites will never be seen by the naked eye, according to my current understanding.

If it is a mini molt.. then you might be able to see some pin feathers starting to come in. I'm not personally sure how long between losing them and regrowth starts to become apparent or if it's immediate. In my experience, molting does not cause "angry" skin.