Chicken help please

[13th]

Hello All,

I've woken up this morning, let my ladiss out of their Egloo only to find that one has lost a lot of feathers.

Pinot had molted from the back of her neck but that was just a few and soon grew back but the top of Bubbles rump is suddenly bare. They don't appear to have any mites, their home had it's weekly clean but no different chemicals, sawdust or straw.

She seems happy and alert but I'm worried as I love that feathery chook but know my vet (who is outstanding with my dogs and cats) wouldn't know one end of a chicken from another.

Any ideas anyone?

Edited by 13th on Tuesday 25th September 10:39

[13th]

Please anyone? she's sat here on my settee looking scrawny.

[bexVN]

I have a vet here who has an interest in chickens, I'll ask but prob difficult for him to know without seeing her.

[bexVN]

Can be spontaneous but some mites such as red mites are better seen at night. Bit of a rushed answer I'm afraid as vet bit busy.

[Malx]

It's that time of year where they molt isn't it?
If she seems happy and alert I'd be inclined to leave her be but keep an eye on her. If the feathers are coming out there is a slight chance there will be a little blood which will be a target for the other hens.

Grab some of the anti pecking/Antiseptic purple spray and cover the area if there are specks of blood.

This happened to some of ours last year, some molted from their necks, others is was their tail feathers. They were fine after a week or so.

[13th]

Thank you both.

Mr 13th thinks I'm being over protective.

I will reasess tomorrow.

eta I nipping out with a torch but Bubbles isn't going to thank me !!

Edited by 13th on Tuesday 25th September 22:23

[Malx]

Better to be overprotective than under. I remember when we lost our first hen becuase we never notice a cut on it. The others attacked it and she lost.