The Poultry Keeper

AnnieT · Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 10:47 pm Post subject: Feather loss

Hi - I wonder if anyone can help me with this one. One of my chickens (Sheady) has lost her feathers from under her chin and also a few tail feathers. Do you think this is just a normal moult or is there something wrong with her. She does not appear to be bullied, I have checked on several occasions and there doesn't seem to be any bullying at all. She is eating and drinking OK - however the comb on her head is rather flat and not very pink. I also think she may not be laying eggs at the moment. Do you think I should take her to a vet or something or is this normal for this time of year.
I would be glad of some opinions, especially as I am very new to chickens. Thanks.

CP · Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 11:33 pm Post subject:

Moulting can vary from just a few feathers, to looking practically oven-ready! Shocked

They also go off laying so their combs do get paler.

You say that there's no bullying going on so that shouldn't be the problem, but have you checked for mites, lice etc. as well, to be on the safe side?

Give them ACV in their water as a general tonic but from your description I shouldn't think it's anything to worry about. Wink

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

I agree with chicken palace, it sounds as if your girl is moulting. They don't usual lay at the same time because both activities need calcium ~ hence them taking a rest, They usually moult when they are 12months or over

AnnieT · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 9:15 pm Post subject: Feather Loss

Thanks for the helpful advice. I will put some lice/red mite powder on them - I haven't done this yet and as I cant handle them I will have to get someone to do this. I have done their roosting house out with red mite spray and all new wood shavings etc. I tried to get ACV in both ASDA and Morrison but they didn't have it. Any ideas where I can get it? I just want them to be well etc. They are so cute. I think I will not shut the pop hole tonight as I am worried they will be so hot.
Thanks once again.

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

ACV you want is usually from horsey places or even where you get your feed from. If not they may well be able to order it in for you. Or even your local pet shop may be able to get it for you. I think the most common one is by NAF. The ones in the supermarket are too refined, you really want the cloudy one. If you can't get cloudy then supermarket is OK.

I got my first lot from higher nature but they are a bit expensive. It depends on how many girls you have. If you only have 3 or 4 then it might be just as well to get it off the internet. Better yet, they have it here, much cheaper.

Good luck

Mikey · Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 7:42 am Post subject:

we get our ACV from tesco, but make sure you get the organic one

Itsybitsy · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 1443 Location: Leicestershire

I have a friend who is a Cider Maker (from Somerset) I get my cider vinegar from him, so Annie T as you are in Hampshire it's worth looking around for a cider maker/farm - there's one in the New Forest but I don't know where.

All alcohol will eventually turn into acetic acid, it's a natural process, cider being notorious for it so I don't know why it's so expensive - apart from the fact that it's popular and popular means you can sell at any price. So all of you ACV users - if you go to the West Country or Welsh Borders, look out for a Cider Farm and go and buy it from there it should be a lot cheaper. The only slight drawback is that you wont know what the % will be (almost certainly lower) so if you get some just put in an extra splosh to make up for it.

Itsybitsy Wink