Whats with Lizzie?

[rogersne]

I have had this frizzled Cochin for 21/2 months. I got her this way I have had her to the vet and he checked for mites gave a shot he said for the ones we could not see. He told me to get her feather fixer and dry cat food and since all her skin has little nubs of feathers they should come in fine. She does not look any better. She is one of the friendliest and the bossiest of the chickens I have. As you can see by the pictures she is bald in places. Lots of broken feathers. I got rid of my roosters about a month ago so that should not be it. She is very healthy and lays an egg every other day. Any ideas. I am wondering if she is what is called Frazzles because she has broken feathers everywhere. Any help appreciated. thanks

 

[GitaBooks]

Wow.

I'm not sure what it is. Could it possibly be a genetic defect?

I do hope she gets better soon. Best of luck!

 

[junebuggena]

She could have a double copy of the frizzle gene. It causes sparse brittle feathering that breaks off easily. Birds with a double copy also don't live for more than a year or two. Or it could be that she was the victim of feather picking and she might not look 'normal' again until after the fall molt.

 

[rogersne]

Thanks so much.

 

[rogersne]

I know where my daughter got the bird they were very packed together. I don't have many
so im hoping this will get better. She is supposed to be a year old in May. Does it usually take this long to molt? Or are you saying they may come back after she molts? She is top boss even with the large birds here. Ive seen here take them if they try to eat in her spot. Thanks

 

[junebuggena]

Chickens usually molt in the fall. Once she molts, as the new feathers grow in, she may feather back in normally.

 

[rogersne]

Thanks I really hope so My grown kids make fun of her.,