Uncertain Molting Issues

[fowlfarm13]

We have a silver-laced wyandot that is about 2 years old. We are uncertain if she is molting or not, she is laying eggs, her skin is irritated and red and looks like mites have been eating her feathers, any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. I think she may be having her feathers picked by one (or more) of the others because of the redness on her skin. She also could be molting if she didn't molt in the fall, but you should see feathers in the coop. Check her closely for mites or lice on the skin, and treat with 5% Sevin dust if you see any. Feather-picking can become a habit. I would watch for the picker, make sure everyone has at least 16% protein, and you can increase this with scrambled egg, low salt tun, dry cat food, or give a 20% all flock feed with crushed oyster shell on the side. Make sure they have enough room and some things to climb on or activities to keep them from becoming bored. Letting them fee range can help.

 

[fowlfarm13]

Thank you for your help, we are certain she is not molting I do not think that other chickens have been pecking her, but I haven't watched closely. We have somewhere between 60-80 free range chickens and have been giving them hen scratch, laying pellets and oyster shells and plenty of limbs to climb on.

 

[Eggcessive]

With all of the redness it looks like feather picking and irritation. Bag balm, anti-pick lotions, or BluKote spray applied to the red areas may help.