Is what I asked my SIL about her SS chickens. They look terrible. I have not experienced a molt with my chickens yet. But I don't believe that is it. My SIL says they pull each others tail feathers out, and they have runny poop all over their bottom halves and ones vent was so red, they just looked horrible. I asked her if they checked them for mites or anything and she said I don't know, they are not my chickens. .. I was not about to even go near them out of fear of bringing anything back to my flock, but I wanted to so bad. the poor things. And they still are eating the eggs they lay, she gives some to my MIL too. I told my Dh to tell his mom not to take any more eggs from them. They are not healthy. Would any of you know what ailment those chickens may have?
Honestly it sounds like neglect to me. Runny poop, picking feathers, red vent - all cause for concern.
I would do the hens a favor, but call it a favor-to-the-SIL in disguise. Order her some D.E. to sprinkle in the coop and on the chickens. Call it her early Christmas present. Save an itchy hen from misery. Edited because I cannot spell.
