I have a 14 week old red sex link pullet,Rosie, who seems to be losing more feathers than the other chickens I have (same age, different breeds). Most of her long tail feathers are gone, and I've seen the small feathers at the top of her head fall out for no apparent reason. She's still eating and drinking, but I have also noticed for the past week she stays in the coop more often than usual. I also think she may look thinner, or at least she hasn't grown as fast as she was.
As far as changes, I did change brands of food in the past month, but both the old and new food have 18% protein and both are starter/ grower- the last one was medicated and this one is not. A vet checked fecal sample last week was negative. The other birds seem fine and have just normal occasional feather loss, so I'm doubting it's lice or mites.
Also I have a cockerel the same age who's starting to reach sexual maturity. I have seen him try to mount different hens (he's still not sure what he's doing). Rosie is not missing feathers on her back or on the back of her neck, so I don't think the cockerel is the cause of her feather loss. Also I wouldn't think that would cause her to look a bit thinner or stay in the coop more.
Anyone have any thoughts on cause, or things to try to stop feather loss? Just in case this was related to getting ready to start laying eggs I did put some calcium out, but she didn't really care about it. Thanks.
As far as changes, I did change brands of food in the past month, but both the old and new food have 18% protein and both are starter/ grower- the last one was medicated and this one is not. A vet checked fecal sample last week was negative. The other birds seem fine and have just normal occasional feather loss, so I'm doubting it's lice or mites.
Also I have a cockerel the same age who's starting to reach sexual maturity. I have seen him try to mount different hens (he's still not sure what he's doing). Rosie is not missing feathers on her back or on the back of her neck, so I don't think the cockerel is the cause of her feather loss. Also I wouldn't think that would cause her to look a bit thinner or stay in the coop more.
Anyone have any thoughts on cause, or things to try to stop feather loss? Just in case this was related to getting ready to start laying eggs I did put some calcium out, but she didn't really care about it. Thanks.
