Unusual feather loss

[Vickery]

I have an Easter Egger (approximately 14 mos old when feather loss began now 20 months ) that began loosing feathers as if molting in April...feather loss continued through the summer on neck and upper part of wings. Vent area seems fine, and I have seen no indication of mites. I have 14 other chickens and they are molting in a normal
Manner now. Any ideas on what could be going on? She continues to lay eggs but is definitely low on the “pecking order”! She used to have the heavily feather, muffed look. I have given her lots of protein and tried to be sure she gets some treats like the others. Thanks for any help! Vickery

 

[RainbowHen]

She most likely will not regrow feathers until she molts. Are the other birds picking her feathers? I had mites in my coop this year. Couldn't see them on my birds but found them under the bedding and hiding in nook's and crannies. She may very well just be having a bad molt. What do you feed?

 

[Vickery]

She most likely will not regrow feathers until she molts. Are the other birds picking her feathers? I had mites in my coop this year. Couldn't see them on my birds but found them under the bedding and hiding in nook's and crannies. She may very well just be having a bad molt. What do you feed?

Organic layer feed, “Grubblies” (dehydrated soldier fly larvae),a little oatmeal mixed with scratch To get them into run when they’ve been out, and random kitchen/garden veggie and fruit scraps.
Thank you for your response! Hoping she’ll start getting feathered out before it turns too cold.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Do you have a rooster?

 

[Vickery]

Do you have a rooster?

No, no rooster!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

No, no rooster!

Watch and see if you have a hen or two mounting her.

 

[Vickery]

She most likely will not regrow feathers until she molts. Are the other birds picking her feathers? I had mites in my coop this year. Couldn't see them on my birds but found them under the bedding and hiding in nook's and crannies. She may very well just be having a bad molt. What do you feed?

And that is exactly what happened...after 7 months of losing feathers and looking horrid, Edelweiss is regrowing and looking MUCH Better! She molted fully when the majority of the others did and then quickly regrew. Just a note, I did a lot of supplementing with the dehydrated grubs and made sure she got her share! Thanks.

 

[Vickery]

Do you have a rooster?

No I do not.