Recurring Molt in our 4 hens

[Beksma]

I hope someone can help us. We have 4 hens of unknown ages and 3 varieties. About 2 months ago they started molting and quit laying eggs. All of them started molting at staggered times within a week of each other, then once they were done, they started molting again. During this time none of them were laying eggs and now that the molts seem to be over- still no eggs.

In addition to this, today they came out of the coop with white crusty stuff on their beaks near their nasal cavities.

I hate to put them down but we have new pullets coming soon and I don't know what is going on.

Any advice is really appreciated.

 

[Judy]

Have you checked or treated for a lice or mite infestation? I'm sure there are other possible causes but I don't know what they might be. I agree, I wouldn't add new birds to this flock. The white crusty stuff sounds like they may have picked up a respiratory infection like MS or MG -- for which many experienced chicken keepers would cull.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ig140

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[Beksma]

Thank you for the assistance. We were looking into the mites when the nasal discharge appeared.

Looks like it is butchering time. I am bummed about it but with new girls coming in we need to make sure we have time to clean the coop well and prepare it.