What are the different reasons for feather loss?

[savingdogs]

I seem to have a rather random feather loss issue starting with my chickens.

My two Russian orloffs seem to have feathers missing from the tail area. Two of my BO pullets have bare bottoms. And a couple of my RIR pullets and BO pullets look like they are missing feathers in the area where our roo hangs on to mate with them and I think they are his "favorites."

Do I need some DE? I don't see any bugs. Would I see mites? Could this be moulting? This is a rather warm January for our area and little snow or freezing temps (shall I find some wood to knock on?) We are having dynomite egg production, sometimes more eggs than we have hens! They are about nine months old thereabouts.

We use sand for the chicken run and coop and pine shavings in the nest boxes. We feed Layena plus some snacks but primary diet is Layena. Not alot of fighting or pecking going on with my group and the Orloffs seem to peck themselves.

Ideas where to go with this? I'd add pictures but I'm lame at that. The areas just look bare is all. Everyone seems happy otherwise.

 

[Karlachix]

In my case I had a huge problem with my chickens picking and sometimes eating each others feathers. At one point almost all of them were half naked (they had feathers only on their neck, shoulders, and wings) which looked awful. I bought pinless peepers and they've feathered out beautifully. Thankfully before Winter started.

 

[savingdogs]

I have seen feather eating. What is pinless peepers? I've never heard of that.

 

[chookchick]

If they are eating feathers you need to up their protein intake. No treats unless they are high protein such as low salt fish, high quality cat food, sunflower seeds, mealworms, and greens such as cabbage, alfalfa... No scratch for a while.

You could have several issues at work--some going through mini-molt, some the rooster's favorites, some pecking. Take a really close look at all of them for mites, lice, etc...and for new feathers growing in (will indicate a molt). Make sure they have plenty of room and stuff to keep them busy and occupied. IF they have any pests such as mites, you will need to treat with Sevin or similar, several times--DE will not eradicate an infestation.

 

[Karlachix]

Here's the website that I bought them from. Basically they're plastic blinders that clip in their nostrils and keep them from looking straight ahead... at the other chicken's tempting feathers. They can still see down to eat and can get on their roosts.

http://www.eggcartons.com/product-exec/product_id/754/nm/Pinless_Peepers_PINLESS_P

 

[savingdogs]

Thank you, very useful posts. I have been feeding more scratch lately because the natural flora and fauna here is not supplying them with as much to peck at since it has been winter.
I will get Sevin and look for mites! I bet I do have a few things going on.

I'll give them more of the sunflowers.

 

[savingdogs]

Would a pinless peeper keep a bird from pecking itself? That is what I see with the dumb orloffs. I say dumb because they also fly out and are more trouble than they are worth sometimes.

 

[Karlachix]

hmmm, I'll have to give you a definite maybe on that one.

 

[savingdogs]

Well I think I need to dose them for lice just in case and probably cut out the scratch too. And I'll get the peepers to try if the silly bird doesn't stop pecking its own feathers out. She has only one or two tail feathers left, looks pretty dorky.