Sex link molt

[egay]

Does this look like normal molt? These ladies haven't molted yet but all three are now. It's under wing, butts and chest.

 

[Wyandottes7]

I would check those birds for mites. Feathers shouldn't usually look that dark, dirty and black. Mites can cause feather loss and the appearance of molting. Those areas aren't exactly usual places for a molt to begin, but are common areas for mite infestations.

 

[BantamLover21]

X2 on Wyandottes7--that looks more like a mite infestation than a molt.

 

[egay]

We have has a rat problem. Would that bring mites? And how do I combat the mites?

 

[egay]

I tried to get better pics. The specs of dark are bigger chunks and nothing moving. We live in Washington and it's rained a bit so the dirt they are bathing is a bit moist and sticky. We also have another breed and they don't have any issues. Would mites be more at the base of the feathers?