Rooster still needs help...

[jcrmadden]

I have a white crowned black polish that had his crown pecked out. After I isolated him I noticed that he spent a lot of time scratching. I made a post and someone suggested mites. Im not sure how to tell if he has mites or not (I have no idea what to look for) but I treated him for them anyway. It hasn't gotten any better and has actually gotten worse. Now he keeps his crown feathers scratched out himself. Lately he has started to lose his main feathers but I have never seen him scratching anything other than his face and head. He also rubs his beak on everything and shakes his head like there is something in his mouth. Anybody have any idea what's going on? If so what do I need to look for and how do I fix it?

 

[gritsar]

I'm afraid I can only answer one of your questions. The best way I've found to check for mites is to arm yourself with a flashlight and go into the coop at night.

1. Pick up a chicken. Apologize in advance for disturbing their sleep.

2. Flip the chicken over.

3. Shine the light around the vent area. You are looking for things that look like flecks of black, red and/or white pepper moving around. You can check their topknot the same way by seperating the feathers enough to view the skin beneath.

4. Next check the corners and crevices of the coop for the same flecks of pepper.


I couldn't hazard a guess about the crest issue, but I would be interested in knowing since I have two young polish. I wonder.... new feathers growing in are said to be very itchy. Could that be part of the problem?

 

[Rainbow Dash]

Do what the post above said. If he has mites, quarantine him, give him antibiotics and take him for a vet visit.

The loss of main feathers at this time of year is probably molting.

 

[prettypoppet]

Does he have any discharge around his eyes, nostrils, or mouth? Some birds will rub their face when they have a runny nose, like trying to clean themselves.