Ragged feathers— poor health or genetic?

[TheWickedChicken]

A few months ago I took a friend’s lone remaining SLW hen as the rest of her flock had been killed. I do not know the specifics of how this bird was kept/raised, but it is very different looking from my own SLW hens. Her body is very slender and her body feathers are raggedy on the edges, particularly on the back. I’m curious if this is due to poor health/food options and if her feathers and body shape will improve now that I have her and she can free range.

While she is hatchery quality, I don’t believe that alone is contributing to her appearance. My SLW are also hatchery stock and are pretty by my standards.

 

[RodNTN]

Wyandottes are usually stockier in build, I'd say it was because of lack of proper care

 

[The Phantom]

Mites?

 

[TheWickedChicken]

Wyandottes are usually stockier in build, I'd say it was because of lack of proper care

Think she’ll fatten up after a few more months of free ranging? Or has her past care stunted her so to speak? I’m hoping when she molts better feathers will come in at least.

 

[TheWickedChicken]

Mites?

I haven’t noticed any, but she is really flighty and hard to get a look at close up. I will say she’s been with my flock for a couple months now and I haven’t noticed any transfer of mites or other pests to my hens. I’ll have to get a better look at her next time I manage to grab her.

 

[The Phantom]

I haven’t noticed any, but she is really flighty and hard to get a look at close up. I will say she’s been with my flock for a couple months now and I haven’t noticed any transfer of mites or other pests to my hens. I’ll have to get a better look at her next time I manage to grab her.

To see them spread apart her feathers around her vent and look at the skin.

 

[RodNTN]

Think she’ll fatten up after a few more months of free ranging? Or has her past care stunted her so to speak? I’m hoping when she molts better feathers will come in at least.

I think if you're free ranging (and leaving feed out for her) she'll fatten up before long And she'll probably molt sometime this year

 

[TheWickedChicken]

To see them spread apart her feathers around her vent and look at the skin.

I managed to grab her and check and I didn’t see any.

I think if you're free ranging (and leaving feed out for her) she'll fatten up before long And she'll probably molt sometime this year

That’s good to hear and yes I also leave food out for them.

 

[RodNTN]

I managed to grab her and check and I didn’t see any.



That’s good to hear and yes I also leave food out for them.

Okay, she'll probably fatten in a couple of months! (Or sooner )

 

[TheWickedChicken]

Okay, she'll probably fatten in a couple of months! (Or sooner )

I’d bet even longer than that! I’ve had her awhile already and not much change. The other hens do chase her around a lot, so seems like the poor thing is always on the run/look out. Chickens can be so mean!

Thanks for all your help.