Not sure how old she is. Corn, scratch or table scraps should be very limited, or they will not be getting proper nutrition or enough protein. They will hide in corners of the coop and come out at night to snack on your chickens. feed and water stations that are not evenly distributed. The most common reason for a chicken losing their feathers is the annual molt; however, this isnt the only reason. It's most common among young chicks and growing birds. One of my hens was the roosters favorite and she lost a lot of feathers. One of them is losing feathers. Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Our other 3 chickens are happy and healthy and show no signs of illness. This can be depluming mites.. my chickens have the same problem! Claire, Hi Lisa, whether its for behavioral or egg production reasons you can break her I dont think its anything to be too concerned about- have you noticed any redness or bleeding? You may have a naked neck chicken! Looks like feather picking to me to> I agree w/eggcessive> up the protein. They will often chew on the chicken feathers while the birds are sleeping, sucking protein from them. Early molters drop only a few feathers at a time and may take as long as 4 to 6 months to complete the molt. Chickens molt during the end of the egg-laying season, in the fall. I have been letting them have the occasional egg and given them mealworms as well as layers pellets and corn It is most commonly seen in hens. Chickens commonly drop feathers, and there are many possible reasons as to why they may have started. Help. At my house there is a chicken named Ginger, and her feathers are twigs. I would recommend you read our molting article and see if the signs are similar to your hens How much apple cider vinegar is needed in their water? Shes losing tons of feathers, although we know her nutrition now is great and shes safe. My Welsummer is the only one molting. A sudden change in a chickens diet can inadvertently trigger a molt. Avoid changing the diet of your birds unless All their beaks were broke off and feathers were damaged( broke off and missing) what can I do to help them, Hi Bridgette, This has happened on her chest and her butt. Have you noticed this at all? This will make sure that no one hen is getting too much attention, and ti will also limit fighting between aggressive roosters. Fortunately, most of the time - this is not something to worry about at all and if it is something to worry about, we can tell you how to deal with it. - The Happy Chicken Coop - All Rights Reserved. The pecking order is the chickens hierarchy of status, and chickens at the top control the rest of the flock. This fungal disease is much like a yeast infection in humans. Its not a full grown chicken but it is also not yellow (what i imagine baby chicks to look like) it has feather on its wins and a little bit on its head however the neck has no feathers. Found your site and am so enjoying all the informative information, Thank You. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Stress can be caused by: If you think your chicken is stressed out and need to chill out a bit, consider whats upsetting them and remove the stressor. It could also be that your chickens are not getting enough water or that the water they are receiving is dirty. . They are friendly and egg laying, but they have lost their feathers around their vents---no other places. None of my other chickens (8 total) peck her she is about twice the size of all the others so the lack of feathers isnt from continued pecking. Do you have a post about moulting where I can read more about it.? It sounds to me like you have a bully in the coop who is plucking their feathers at night! Simply soak the chicken's feet in a warm bath of water for 5-10 minutes, then softy rub the skin with a gentle toothbrush to remove any excess scales. Broody hens often get targeted because they have plucked out their own breast feathers, and the other chickens will then peck at the red flesh. How do I know if its a parasite or mounting or stress? they are not eating as much either. Whats your email so I could send some pictures of them?? It's not picking, but I'm not sure what is going on. I have 9 hens and 1 rooster, and only the 2 have no feathers on their backs. It looks like feather picking which can become a habit, and possibly lead to cannibalism. She is still a homeless little girl. is there skin supposed to be bright bright neon pink in the area where the feather loss is ? You will need to medicate your chickens for this disease, and it can be spread among the flock. The typical molt lasts around 6 weeks. Now I was wondering if that was just because it was already dead and not getting any nutrition. Please help! They were early layers, and were all laying at 4 1/2 5 months old. You can also put a chicken saddle on your hens, which will cover the bald area and prevent other chickens from pecking at the sore spot. Can 1 out of 5 hens molt? Use a timer or leave on 24 hours at all times. 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. A molt is when a chicken sheds its old feathers and replaces them with new feathers. They're losing feathers on their neck, thighs, chest, and completely around their vent. Unfortunately, theres not a lot that you can do to adjust the amount of time that motling takes, or to mitigate the impact that it has on feather loss. The answer will likely depend on the cause behind why your chickens are shedding. However if she hasnt had feathers for a while it sounds to me like she is being bullied. Happy Chicken Coop, However, older chickens molt much slower and can take them up to 10-12 weeks. Feathers are 85% protein and molting changes the temporary dietary needs of chickens. I dont know why he is losing feathers. Do this and if you still have problems then let me know No fur or feathers around vent. Kristi Cook. Luckily, you can do a few things to help encourage your chickens feathers to return more quickly. Only giving snacks and treats in moderation. You will notice when you add new chickens to your existing flock, there will also be some jostling for position in the pecking order, and as a result, some of your chickens will lose their feathers. Repeat this process every three days. Please respond I really love this chicken, her name is Fluffy, and shes my Familys original hen, thanks a lot. It can lead to feather loss around the vent and the entire backside of your chickens. Feather pecking can result from poor Im not a professional but Im pretty sure she is broody, if so, make sure she has food and water every day, and keep an eye on her. The other 4 hens show no sign of molting and they have full beautiful feathers. When diagnosed, you need to sanitize the roost . The difference is that they will only lose a few, and they will do it themselves. Are the barred rocks kept in the same coop as the RIRs? Its still in the 30s here so I know they have to be pretty cold. Hi, I have a flock of 30 birds of mixed ages, the oldest established flock is nearly 12 months old. A good ratio to follow is ten to twelve hens per rooster. 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. help! Since she is the only one I do t think it is mites, but I dont know what to do. Hi Lisa, (If any). And you are correct about putting her in an already existing flock, she would be bullied, especially since she is already stressed. We just had a flood hurricane ( Imelda) and my chickens are loosing feathers all the way to the skin. One of my Rhode Island red hens is losing feathers. Don't turn the light off and on at various times, which can cause further molting. What type of feed do you give them? Also, our rooster, Randy, is looking quite dishevelled. Crowded? thanks, Diana, hello diana i think they do but it never specifys the gender. It does sound very early for a young flock to molt. Many thanks. Could you email me so I can send photos? Nice to hear their feathers are coming back Dana This is very strange. Check the area (and also under the wings) after dark using a flashlight for any crawling insects on your chickens. If you see dried blood on the skin or if your chicken is exhibiting behavioral changes, like withdrawn or anxious behavior theres a strong likelihood that bullying behavior was to blame. She is a hyline but our other hyline is fine. More space is better, and allowing your birds to free range is always best. Losing feathers is a common problem in most chicken breeds, especially exotic species. I have 4 and she is the only one. Also, the sealer is black, so the chickens wont be anywhere near as keen to peck at it, and if they do, it will rub off on their beak, so you know which hens have been bullying. They climb all over each other at night, wondering if they are clawing each other, but you would think the other chicks would have it to, I just cant figure this out. Bones are sticking out, and the rooster keeps treading on her. Hi Kelly, You can also ensure and improve the gut health of your birds by adding apple cider vinegar (just a few tablespoons in a five-gallon waterer). Let us know in the comments below what methods youve used to help your chickens during their molts. I have never seen them pecking their feathers or picking on each other. There are two main reasons why a chicken would lose its feathers. Preening This is a common cause of small amounts of feather loss. Maggots infest the dead skin cells of the chicken. She is free range (plenty of bugs and snails, plenty of room) and gets a normal layers mash. They are free ranging over 1/2 acre so are definitely not bored. To do this, I place them in a separate smaller pan for a couple of days. Yes June is very early for a molt so Id be surprised if it was this early. The last few the shell was very soft. Bully? Have you seen the more dominant hen pecking at her? we use this special dust that is suppose to kill mites and lice. If they do drop us an email with some photos and we will do our best to help Its summer here (January) so I dont think she would be molting. You can also soak your hen in a tub of warm water, dish detergent, vinegar, and salt. If they are losing feathers because they are cold, you can give them more heat. Consider putting some chicken toys, like lettuce balls, in the coop, and make sure you are providing plenty of space for your birds. We had isolated the last sick one, and it recovered. dont know if she is being bullied. Our article on flock behavior should help: I know she can reach the chest, but all around the vent as well? Nothing if you want her to hatch her own eggs. Thanks!0. The area looks red. The other day I went to pick her up and a massive clump of feathers came off of her! Keep cleaning the vent for as many days as it takes for the vent gleet to subside. Please seek advice from a certified veterinarian in a case of emergency. Still getting 5 eggs everyday. She is completely alone now, and has been for a few weeks. I had them last year when they was on 6th months old and not seen this before am a little worried any advice. care of until the molt passes, and be patient! If your hen has a parasite you should quarantine them for at least 21 days. As they try to scratch them off, they lose their feathers. I was given an Americana chicken. I would keep an eye over her the next few days and see if any other hens in the flock start dropping feathers or not. Claire, We have a 9 week old Speckled Sussex hen who we just noticed today had feathers ripped out in between her wings. Claire. I am able to watch them closely from my kitchen which looks out over the garden. I have 3 chickens and they havent yet gone through a morning season. The first year I thought there was something wrong with her and kept treating for mites, but she keeps doing it same time every year. Good luck and be sure to email us if you have any specific questions. I had put them on pellets where before they were on a mesh at the other farm. i take good care of my chickens but the new ones i got(light brahmas) all got leg problems after finally finding out it was rickets i loaded them up with extra calcium and vitamins and minerals it seems to have helped. While most rodents make their way inside a coop in search of the free grain, some will stay and go after the chickens if theyre bored or large. She turned up in our neighbors yard, but the night before we found her, she had taken shelter in nothing but a dip in the snow. She has not laid for the last 2 days but seems happy enough. I only have two hens no rooster, and the bared rock is dominant, and occasionally pecks at the other hens neck, not her chest. We have 4 hens and one of them (Hazel) has a patch on her neck with no feathers. Use an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream on the vent area after washing the bird each day. One is very friendly (seems to be the dominant one) and the other has always been frightened. Poop are fine. ? I am new to raising chickens and tell people when they ask advice that I can tell them what not to do more than I can tell them what to do! The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary advice. This is because chickens need lots of protein to make eggs, but also, their feathers are 80% protein. My chicken has lost a 3in wide strip of feathers from her breast to her bottom. Only one chicken is experiencing a lose of feathers around the head. Hi Taryn, First I would double check her for mites and if she does have them treat her with a dusting. A chicken wouldnt normally do this to themselves, unless they were broody and then it would just be on their chest area However, sometimes it can be a cause for concern, so make sure to give your chickens a thorough inspection if/when they do lose their feathers. In the We got her in October last year as point of lay. They have plenty of nesting boxes, get free range of food and layer pellets. In most cases, molting begins 18-20 weeks after your chickens' hatch. They are beige or straw colored and are typically found at the base of feather shafts near the vent. Hello, I have 3 hens. Chickens commonly drop feathers, and there are many possible reasons as to why they may have started. 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.. My youngest chick, (about a year and a half old), has been losing her feathers on her wings and around her neck. What do I do!? Please reply per e mail, thank you, Hi Donald, Allow a hen to sit on her eggs, and know that she wills top picking her feathers once the chicks hatch. They are loaded with seeds and full of protein. Chickens need at least 3 square feet each inside the coop and 15 square feet each inside the run. There is 1 rooster. Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. One of our older chickens is losing her feathers. One of my hens is losing her tail feathers and has one left. Hello, We have 5 easter eggers with one rooster and 6 black hens which i dont know what they are. We then did notice, a few days ago that the bantam is bullying her quite often and pecking her neck and face, so we have separated them. This causes your birds to stop producing eggs and to lose feathers around its breast, neck, head, back, and wings. You could also add some electrolyte to her water. I live in the city and am only allowed to have 5 chickens. I do not know how old she is. So the original (Lady Gaga) has been alone for a while. You may need to do this several times. Yes it definitely sounds too early for them to have their first molt- this normally occurs when they around 18 months old. Clean your coop on a regular basis at least once a week or use other methods to keep lice and mites away. Ive been watching her closely and she seems very scared of 2 of them she runs fast past them and away when they get close. When this happens, the rooster can easily pull the feathers out of the hens neck and back. Does anyone know what could be happening? A broody hen wants to hatch their own chicks, and she will lay on top of its eggs all day long. I have a chicken that has lost a lot of feathers and seems to be kind of sick, lethargic and not running around much. hi hope you can help I have 4 chickens 3 years old the speckled one lost feathers 3 weeks ago I thought it had been attacked, feathers all over the coop now the other 3 have started losing them but in all different places 1 head. 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. However, if your chickens are losing feathers because they are too hot, you can try providing them with additional shade. I dont have any blood I dont have any open sores just red butts and backs. Im not just talking a few, its a lot. Anything you can think? https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/the-definitive-guide-to-keeping-chickens-in-winter-chapter-five/ Are you certain that they are molting and dont have some sort of infestation? Sometimes, that boredom can lead to them picking out their feathers, whether from frustration or to give them something to do. They can spread infections and cause your chickens to lose scales on their legs. 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. Hi Anastasia, You will easily notice that she is broody because she wont leave the nesting box and rarely eat. After youve made sure she is healthy, make sure she is well feed and watered. Does the entire flock bully her or just one or two hens? This is a naked neck chicken - there are no feathers on her neck. All the other chickens seem fine. I just brought her home from a very reputable farm. Its high in protein so helps stimulate feather grow We noticed this about 10 weeks ago & started putting diatomaceous earth powder on her, in the coup & brooding boxes. We mentioned above that when chickens molt, they require much protein to make their new feathers. just today She has spent almost all day in the brooding box. Feeding a good 16% protein layer feed is the minimum for laying hens. In addition to changing their feed, you can also give them tonics. Then added redmite powder to the hut and birds. Left untreated, a mite infestation can even cause your chickens to die, as theyll rob them of the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Hi Halina, , but not much change. Claire. She appeared very lethargic today. All my 9 hens have bald backs. The entire flock is young and had just started laying. I am sri lankan.yesterday i bought 3 hen in the farm.bit 2 hen they are back side lose feathers ?what is the reason?is it diseases ?or parasite ?plzz tell me? KnowYourChickens.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Make sure you rule out all of these other potential causes, but then work through the environment of your birds to make sure you arent missing anything. Very helpful article. And if she is doing it to herself, what could be the cause? I isolated the chicken with missing feathers and dont know what else to do. Not sure what is going on, Hi Lori, One of my bantams has just lost the feathers on her head. Personally I dont know as I havent used it for this yet. Weve put vaseline on her, but she is eating it. I guess Ill try the poultry dust just in case. Now her feathers arent coming back, the cold season is coming, and shes having some bare spots. Hello from Houston, This is by far one of my hens favorite layers feed. One supplement we do give our chickens is ginger powder, and weve written about this extensively here. She has gained weight although the vet wants her to gain one more pound. They all start with a swolen vent with a loss of feathers. If this continues you can either isolate her or the bully and see if her feathers come back.