Someone help!

[miamibackyardchickens]

Sometimes I get a hen that will go through a neck molt in early spring here. It's a bit early, but the weather has been messed up this year so it wouldn't surprise me. I still have some that just started their fall molts recently.

I might dust for mites just in case. Neck molts are just what they sound like. They only molt around the head and neck. Not sure why, but I see it enough that it doesn't concern me.

Thanks! Should I dust with DE just in case?

 

[Birdsonghill]

Good luck with your girls! I hope it is just some molting. I use DE as a tool for suppressing mites and other insects. It is seldom effective at controlling mites! Permethrin or other miticides work effectively to kill and control mites. Molting is seldom accompanied by detritus on the skin were the feathers have been lost. But I am half blind and maybe the pictures show common yard dirt or nothing at all! Best Wishes!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thanks! Should I dust with DE just in case?

Personally I'd use a product design to kill external parasites on poultry. DR is a respiratory irritant to both the chickens and the birds.

 

[nuthatched]

Hello

Hello, hens change the feathers every year, make sure you give her enough calcium

Protein. Calcium is not nearly as important to feather growth as protein.

Thanks! Should I dust with DE just in case?

No, it won't help.