red hen turning white

[lovemypetchicks]

My red hen has white spots all over. Now her wing feathers are baren. only the quills are left ! Is this a parasite? parts of her are losing all the feathers. I don't see anything should I "dust " her with something? Thanks for any help I appreciate it !

 

[Harrietsmum]

How old is she?

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

On the one hand it sounds like a molt; on the other it sounds like something odd. Could you post photos?

 

[LynneP]

I would check her for mites and treat her with a product like 'Dri-Kill' which is a generic treatment with rotenone and sulfur that kills mites, ticks and lice,be sure to dust well around the vent and under her wings...

You will have to dust your entire coop after cleaning it.

 

[flakey chick]

Without pictures it sounds to me like a molt. Of course its always a good idea to monitor for mites and lice.

Could the white spots be the sheath that surrounds new feathers as they emerge?

 

[LynneP]

Good point but would a molt leave the feather shaft bare? Could be both- a molt and a pest.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

It's probably molt. When the pin feathers start coming back in, it can be mistaken for a shaft. They look very similar.

 

[LynneP]

Good point so she would benefit from extra protein either way...