The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: northfifeduckling on August 20, 2020, 08:34:32 pm

Title: weird feather loss
Post by: northfifeduckling on August 20, 2020, 08:34:32 pm

One of my girls is losing her neck feathers just below the ears, she might be scratching. Maybe it’s psychological as group dynamics changed a few weeks ago but I don’t want to miss if it’s an indicator for some parasite or illness. Any thoughts?

Title: Re: weird feather loss
Post by: chrismahon on August 21, 2020, 06:35:29 am

Could she be moulting? Are there any wing feathers in the run as they seem to start and finish with those, presumably to retain flight capability?

Title: Re: weird feather loss
Post by: Possum on August 21, 2020, 10:08:03 am

My pure bred hens often lose their neck feathers first when moulting. They look rather tatty for weeks. It seems less of a problem in the hybrids.

Title: Re: weird feather loss
Post by: northfifeduckling on August 29, 2020, 09:26:44 am

 No feathers in her bed, but it‘s a possibility. Just wanted to exclude any more serious issues, thanks.

Title: Re: weird feather loss
Post by: bj_cardiff on August 29, 2020, 11:08:12 am

Could it be that the drake is holding her by them and pulling them out while treading?