Claire, We inherited 11 unsexed chicks, transpired that 3 were cockerels and the 8 hens are various breeds and sizes. I am really new to raising chickens. Now, for the last couple weeks they havent even laid an egg, that we can find. Chickens can also lose their feathers when they are being bullied. It could likely be delayed stressed from all the moving. she is a year old and she also stopped laying eggs. When we moved in, we were getting five eggs a day. While its definitely not healthy for your chickens, its also not healthy for you do you really want that touching your eggs? Hello, I have 3 hens about 1 year old. Sounds to me like it could be their first major molt as they are around 18 months old now. Repeat this process every three days. Vent Gleet | Hen Health | British Hen Welfare Trust I didnt notice this until we got them home. You might have hens who are high on the pecking order and feel the need to establish their dominance frequently through pulling the feathers of other chickens. Not only can this cause some serious They are about 9 weeks old. Claire. However, your chickens wont even know the powder is there. The previous owner said, she thought there was a bully, we never saw signs of this. Thanks. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Lets take a look at the most common reasons why chickens lose their feathers and our two favorite cures: The first and most common reason why chickens lose their feathers is the annual molt.. There are several reasons why a chicken might lose feathers, but most of them are not anything to be worried about. If only one of your chickens has lost their feathers, it could be that she is just broody. Nice to hear their feathers are coming back Dana First I would double check her for mites and if she does have them treat her with a dusting. Nine Reasons Chickens Lose Feathers and How You Can Help Normally if one chicken has mites- they will all have mites. Chickens loosing butt Feathers. - Countryfarm Lifestyles Ensure you displace the feathers with your hands and spray the shafts behind the neck, underneath the wings, and around the vent. Claire. If you want healthy, happy chickens, you need to make sure they get access to a high protein diet, and the simplest way to do this is through layers pellets. I have put DE in their coop for 2 weeks now. Is she has only recently lost them I would clean the coop out and treat them all with a dusting powder. If you notice your chickens over-preening, pecking, or losing feathers outside of their regular molting season, you may have some external parasites on your hands. If you have any idea please tell me, and we dont have a rooster. Chicken With Swollen Abdomen, Missing Vent and Underside Feathers I have a black Australorp hen that is almost 3 years old, every summer she has molted to the point of becoming absolutely naked, then she takes several months to regrow her feathers. Claire. Do roosters lose their tail feathers and hopefully grow new healthy ones? We received 11 Barred Rock hens, fully grown and laying eggs. We rescued a debeaked hen from a bad situation where she was malnourished, bullied and pecked. You need to give your chickens a bit more space and some distractions. The quills are still on her body, but the feathery part is gone. To prevent either of the parasites from returning, make sure you regularly clean your chicken coop and wash your hands before handling your chickens. If they have less than this, they will bully each other and peck out each others feathers. Finally, during a molt, you will notice that the number of eggs they lay will greatly reduce and most likely stop altogether. Ive previously written about the importance of giving your chickens good quality layers pellets and what happened when we stopped giving our chickens pellets. It most commonly occurs in the fall. We bought three more chicks, but cant integrate them until they are a little bigger. If you want to know more about chickens, quail, and goats, The Happy Chicken Coop is the place to be! As the name implies, these chickens have no feathers on their neck, and you'll see no signs of the feather follicle from which the pin feathers emerge. I dont see lice, but you can see her wing underneath where she is losing feathers. My first thought is usually the worst. I recently bought a flock of hens and one rooster about a month ago . They will prescribe an anti-fungal strong enough to cure it within days. However, Im aware that others have successfully used DE for this Make sure your chickens have access to a clean dust bath. Please can you email me some photos so I can take a closer look. My chickens have not moulted yet but now I have some more information on moulting. Many thanks for any advice you can provide!! She is a hyline but our other hyline is fine. She is completely bald between the wings and she flys all around the coop petrified of the other hens. She could also have parasites like lice and mites. The easter eggers have no problem. Luckily, I havent ever lost any of my chickens to a predator, and chicken feather loss is normally much less serious. Any suggestions would be great! Now I was wondering if that was just because it was already dead and not getting any nutrition. Sept will be our 2nd year of raising our girls and what a pleasant surprise it has been. Required fields are marked *. I have ten chickens and most of them are experiencing a lose of feathers around their vents as shown in the pictures. It also helps them examine themselves for parasites. If youve just introduced a group of chickens to the flock or if you have chickens of varying ages, breeds, or dispositions dont be surprised if you find some missing feathers. The answer will likely depend on the cause behind why your chickens are shedding. They also sometimes remove unsightly feathers. I would not treat for lice or mites unless you actually see them. Claire. Feeding to low of a diet in protein, overcrowding, boredom, and not getting out to free range can be common causes of feather picking. However, sometimes, juvenile hawks are too small to lift off with chickens. Claire, Hello, I hope you can respond but I have noticed on my chicken/hen, on her belly she is missing some feathers but I dont know why. Preening This is a common cause of small amounts of feather loss. You can even add swings, branches, and treats for them to hunt for. Any suggestion please. I have no roosters, and they do not free-range. There are four main reasons why chickens lose their feathers: Seasonal Molting. We just had a flood hurricane ( Imelda) and my chickens are loosing feathers all the way to the skin. Keep her well fed and make sure to and also keep her water filled up with vitamins. in this random rambling thread we post random pictures. they are not eating as much either. Would / could a chicken do this to herself? If you do choose to apply diatomaceous earth, make sure you do so in a well-ventilated area preferably outside. Poop are fine. This did not affect our assessment of products. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary advice. I live in the woods and I think I could have a mite/lice infestation with my 10 chickens. I know she can reach the chest, but all around the vent as well? The eggs have improved significantly. Hi Ashley, Hi May, broodiness to stop her from pulling out her own feathers. Yes June is very early for a molt so Id be surprised if it was this early. The Americana, usually the best layer, stopped laying about a week ago and now shes losing a lot of feathers, like shedding all over. My chickens are losing the little under feathers because I see them on the ground but none of them look like they are missing feathers. Just make sure your chickens are well taken KnowYourChickens.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. I have noticed slowly the egg production declining. Fortunately, if your rooster is placed with several hens, then this balding wont be noticeable. I do not know how old she is. If you suspect that vent gleet is to blame for the loss of feathers, make sure you bring your chicken to a veterinarian and have a full work-up done immediately. She recently has been losing a lot of feathers. (There was about 8 inches of snow at the time this happened.) I dont have a rooster. attacks will be fatal. Thanks for your help in advance! This is a common cause of small amounts of feather loss. Poultry Lice and Mites Identification and Treatment - The Chicken Chick Do you have a post about moulting where I can read more about it.? He was very scraggly and dirty, but very nice! When it comes to the red mite dust is there any particular brand I should use or a brand I should stay away from? feather loss, and while you may not be concerned about the fact that your I dont know if this was related or not. Ill see them start to come in, and the next day theyre gone. It could well do- I know sometimes when my girls get stressed they pull their own feathers out Her feather loss is all over her body. Then they have bloody/watery stool. ( I have owned chickens for around three or four years, but this much feather-falling has never happened to any of my girls.) I hate seeing them so shabby. Claire, My hens droop soft feathers during cool season while they are 14 month old,and egg production is declined to 45% there is no mite or lice, And I feed them very well the only thing I know about it is that the weather changes cause them cough and I treat them I both deworm and make a routine vaccine with Lasota booster still nothing change. I have what I thought was a brooding chicken, wont get out of nesting box unless I take her out, picks and breast feathers (which is bare) and hardly eats or drinks, but has been in there about 3 weeks. Any suggestions, Hi Ryan, Hi, We have two chickens (Rhode Islands Reds). Behavior, Scratching (excessively) Behavior, Straining to defecate (constipation) Behavior, Weakness Behavior, Yawning Body, Bleeding Body, Lump or Mass Body, Seizures Body, Stunted or reduced growth Body, weight gain Body, Weight loss Breathing, abnormal sounds (rales) Breathing, gaping, gasping, difficulty Breathing, Panting Comb, Black spots There are two main reasons why a chicken would lose its feathers. If you have more than one rooster, they may occasionally argue over the hens. We had isolated the last sick one, and it recovered. The last few the shell was very soft. Given extreme boredom or an overcrowded situation, this can cause pecking. Any help appreciated! This is a naked neck chicken - there are no feathers on her neck. You may have a naked neck chicken! Protein deficiency is one of the most common reasons as to why chickens lose their feathers. production has stopped. Hi Bob, Finally, around a year old, chickens start to moult, and this includes chickens losing vent feathers. In addition to their feathers dropping out, you will also notice that their comb will lose some of its colors, and it wont be a vibrant red any longer. Sometimes, that boredom can lead to them picking out their feathers, whether from frustration or to give them something to do. It is most common in a laying flock, because the vent of a chicken remains red and swollen for a few hours after an egg is laid. Remove parasites on their feathers. Our blogs and articles are updated regularly with many different important topics on care, purchasing tips, fun facts, and more. I have a chicken that the others in the flock bullied. Why is my Chicken Losing Feathers? - The Pioneer Chicks Theyre gone now as so is her wound, but now shes been plucking her feathers out for at least a month or two. Mites are very tiny and are red or black in color. Are they on a high protein feed? They can spread infections and cause your chickens to lose scales on their legs. This starts during spring or fall, but should only last 4-10 weeks. Preening oil helps waterproof the feathers and also makes it easier for the body to convert vitamin D from the sun into a usable format. jploria116; Mar 26, 2023; Emergencies . If you have a rooster, overzealous breeding behaviors might be to blame for some feather loss. At Tractor Supply they cost $12.99, but last quite a while. Claire. These remedies can make your coop smell better too. it is so close to Fall that I was first thinking that they were just molting but the timing made me wonder if it was stress. I isolated the chicken with missing feathers and dont know what else to do. An exposed tail area, birds eating loose feathers, or deliberately pecking them out, are signs of feather pecking. Know Your Chickens is a free resource dedicated to teaching backyard chicken owners more about their flock. Claire. Remember that chickens will have varying requirements for protein depending on the following factors: Check the formulation of your chicken feed to make sure it has the recommended amount of protein for your chickens at their specific stage, gender, activity level, and other conditions. Claire. Mites will live in the chicken coop and only appear during the night to suck blood from the chickens. Make sure they are comfortable, checking the run and the coop to make sure there are no hazards present. With it being on their back, I suspect the pin feathers are getting worn off with mating. She doesnt seem broody. She appeared very lethargic today. Apart from her bottom and laying no eggs for three weeks she seems happy. We noticed this about 10 weeks ago & started putting diatomaceous earth powder on her, in the coup & brooding boxes. Signs Of Vent Gleet: Chickens losing feathers on the bottom; Redness and swelling around the vent; Bloated stomach; Pasted feathers on rear; How Is It Resolved? I only have two hens no rooster, and the bared rock is dominant, and occasionally pecks at the other hens neck, not her chest. feed and water stations that are not evenly distributed. My chicken has lost a 3in wide strip of feathers from her breast to her bottom. Sounds like she certainly could be being bullied. I just got some chickens that are about 8 months old. They're losing feathers on their neck, thighs, chest, and completely around their vent. Hello there, Trim vent feathers carefully, making sure you don't trim too close to the skin, injuring the bird. A chicken wouldnt normally do this to themselves, unless they were broody and then it would just be on their chest area Has not been overly hot here in Oregon, actually its been firmly cool In the mornings, su my and 80 in afternoon. You may need to do this several times. . Chicken losing feather around vent! - Backyard Chickens But no change in a long time with regrowth and now there are quite a few feathers on the floor..? Any idea on what could be causing this? It can get stuck in the skin, making the chickens body think that there is a feather there. I would first sort of mosquito flies and make sure they are kept away from the coop and run area. I dont see any bald patches or any parasites. When you have finished, dry the feet and generously apply VetRx remedy solution onto the feet, legs and comb if affected. Hi Kelly, It just started today or yesterday. I would expect that your other hens start to molt soon Im perplexed. When diagnosed, you need to sanitize the roost . I add a solution to their water once a week to prevent this and it has always been successful. Hi Taryn, We recently got rid of the rooster and that hen is getting picked on from the other hens really bad! Thanks. I have 9 hens and 1 rooster, and only the 2 have no feathers on their backs. loss of feathers. Any ideas what can we do? Marianne. In the case of vent gleet, you can try to dip the affected chicken in a . Corn, scratch or table scraps should be very limited, or they will not be getting proper nutrition or enough protein. Let us know in the comments below what methods youve used to help your chickens during their molts. In other words, it's the baby maker and the exit for their birdy poo. , but not much change. This does sound very strange and again sounds like one of the flock members might be bullying her! You can mix ginger powder up with their game feed, and it helps boost their circulation and spread vitamins and nutrients throughout their body. Hi Claire I have noticed this on one of my birds this morning they are all loosing feathers but one of them as it quails in the back and no feathers in two big patches. Chicken run behavior is learned, and it typically is caused by a need to establish the pecking order. I have a chicken that has lost a lot of feathers and seems to be kind of sick, lethargic and not running around much. Shes been under a vet care, received antibiotic for bacteria and we are feeding her generously. Chicken With Red Bottom And No Feathers? (Explained!) You need to make sure that no blood has been drawn- chickens love to peck a red colored things! We dont have males and I know she is not Brody because I saw her out and about at least three times today..i cleaned today the coop and I guess Ill check tomorrow for lice. (maybe one egg a day). Now her feathers arent coming back, the cold season is coming, and shes having some bare spots. It can lead to feather loss around the vent and the entire backside of your chickens. Is this normal? Claire. Should I isolate her and give her time to destress and relax. Summer (my favorite chicken) has been the victim of some bullying and pecking for a few months, but blood has never been drawn and it seemed to be getting better. did you ever get any answers? Claire. Hi Brian, Could just one chicken have mites/lice? Prevent it by keeping the coop clean and giving your birds proper food and water. My youngest chick, (about a year and a half old), has been losing her feathers on her wings and around her neck. Interestingly, when the bully returns to the pen, they get knocked down a peg or two by the other girls because the bully is considered new.. What To Do About Wintertime Feather Loss In Chickens I used dusting powder (good for lice and mites) on the chicken butts, cleaned and dusted the coop with D.E., and will repeat after 10 days to catch any newly-hatched eggs. Just make sure you dont add apple cider vinegar to a galvanized system, as it can cause chemicals to leach into your chickens water supply. Claire. My other 2 chickens seem fine. Since they have been moved to their new home, about 1 month now, I do not see any changes no worse and none better. As these birds are still losing feathers I contacted my vet and they suggested possible deplumbing mite so I have treated with ivermectin. (If any). This natural powder has sharp edges that cut the exoskeletons of insects like mites, killing them almost immediately. Our first thought was that another animal had been attacking her, but if that were the case, I think she would have bite marks as well. Please reply per e mail, thank you, Hi Donald, About a week ago we have notice that one of the hens lost a lot of her feathers, in the face and the neck. Are you sure they arent just starting their molt? Red bums how do I take care of it. I always prefer to isolate the culprit instead. If the feather loss is around the vent area, you might be dealing with mites or another external parasite. Help! Sometimes they will even pull the feathers to be used in building their nests! I know all about chickens molting (usually in the fall), but nothing about roosters. What do I do!? Five of these have developed bald spots. Chickens commonly drop feathers, and there are many possible reasons as to why they may have started. I am guessing the weight loss is a result of her previous situation, but wonder why it just started a few days ago. Feathers are 85% protein and molting changes the temporary dietary needs of chickens. What breed? She keeps losing a ton of feathers, including a few wing feathers. That being said, mating usually doesnt progress to this extreme. Hi ?, Should I get a second opinion on my horses sensitivity? And learn how warm the coop gets depending on outside conditions to avoid overheating your birds. However, you may be alarmed when you notice feathers around the coop. Fed 16% pellets, a little scratch and fresh water daily. She looks like someone has chewed her up. Thank goodness, because they looked ugly!!! Darken your nest boxes so that the red does not appear as vibrantly to other chickens. I thought this is what is happening until today I noticed the bald areas have small reddened areas. A few of my chickens have red bums with no feathers ,can you tell me what it is and how to get rid of it . No problem with egg laying. I have 5 hens, one of them is losing feathers around its neck area,I havent noticed any bullying etc, in fact they all get on fine, the hen is feeding and drinking well and still laying.

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