I've previously posted about Jessamine (age unknown), my rescued red sexlink. Homegirl looks terrible.
Feather loss is worst on her throat/neck area and on her backside. She had vent gleet when I first got her, too, but that is gone. She also gained over a pound since I brought her home, so I know she's eating well.
At first, I thought she was molting. But now I'm not so sure. I've checked her for mites/lice and found nothing. She did have lice when I first got her in June, but she was successfully treated. My whole flock has been on grower feed for months while the rest went through their molts. I give treats maybe once a week, and they usually get worms. My other birds have fantastic feather quality - best ever for my flock
She's not being bullied either. I have watched for that specifically. She's not being over mated, either, and even if she was, her feather loss wouldn't look like this.
I've been bringing her inside to give her a lil extra protein every few days just in case she isn't getting enough. She's a super layer, so I imagine that takes a lot out of her.
Her bff, Magnolia, died in December. They were inseparable. Her eggs were wonky for about a week after. Could stress cause this mess?
I'm bringing her in tonight because it's supposed to snow, and I'm not sure she's got enough feathers to keep her warm.
Any ideas why my hen looks so AWFUL?
Feather loss is worst on her throat/neck area and on her backside. She had vent gleet when I first got her, too, but that is gone. She also gained over a pound since I brought her home, so I know she's eating well.
At first, I thought she was molting. But now I'm not so sure. I've checked her for mites/lice and found nothing. She did have lice when I first got her in June, but she was successfully treated. My whole flock has been on grower feed for months while the rest went through their molts. I give treats maybe once a week, and they usually get worms. My other birds have fantastic feather quality - best ever for my flock
She's not being bullied either. I have watched for that specifically. She's not being over mated, either, and even if she was, her feather loss wouldn't look like this.
I've been bringing her inside to give her a lil extra protein every few days just in case she isn't getting enough. She's a super layer, so I imagine that takes a lot out of her.
Her bff, Magnolia, died in December. They were inseparable. Her eggs were wonky for about a week after. Could stress cause this mess?
I'm bringing her in tonight because it's supposed to snow, and I'm not sure she's got enough feathers to keep her warm.
Any ideas why my hen looks so AWFUL?
