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RIR hen getting white feathers in?

Discussion in 'Emergencies / Diseases / Injuries and Cures' started by Chicklalette, Nov 16, 2011.

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  1. Nov 16, 2011 #1
    Chicklalette

    Chicklalette Out Of The Brooder

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    We have a RIR hen about 2.5 years old, just went thru a molt and as she gets new feathers in they are white! She looks like a mottled RIR - anyone else seen this or know about it? Thanks
     
  3. Nov 16, 2011 #2
    Chris09

    Chris09 Circle (M) Ranch

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    Quote:Where did you get your R.I. Reds from? If you got them from a hatchery I would say that they are a Production Red and not a Rhode Island Red but there are a few thing that will make R.I. Red feathers turn/ molt to White.

    1 - Breeding, genetically they are not pure R.I. Red and may have other breeds (that shouldn't be) in there make up.
    2 - Nutrition, What feed are you feeding, it could be lacking in something needed to keed there nice dark coloring.
    3 - Stress, Sometimes stress will cause White feathering.

    Chris
     
  5. Nov 16, 2011 #3
    CMV

    CMV Flock Mistress

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  7. Nov 17, 2011 #4
    Chicklalette

    Chicklalette Out Of The Brooder

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    Thank you for your response. Feeding - same as we been - Purina Layena, grains, sunflower seeds. We got her form McMurray Hatchery. She is at least looking more active and a little less lethargic. - this has been over a period of several months - turning white. Our other RIR just went thru a hard molt - not as bad a last year and all looks "normal" with her. Stress may be the issue for her. We have added our hatch to the flock over a period of months - they were raised next to the each other seperated by fencing - 3-4 mths to get used to each other 20 of the original flock and 35 of the hatch. The mixing went very well - but maybe this is a pecking order reaction. Good news is she is more active and looking better. She just has her own unique idea of style - she is expressing herself - actually that is probably the case.

    Thank you - will keep in touch
     
  9. Nov 17, 2011 #5
    kidcody

    kidcody Overrun With Chickens

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    Autumn Farm English Orpingtons,
    She sounds just beautiful!!!
     

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