mictogirl Posted December 14, 2008 Share Posted December 14, 2008 I feel really bad as we both work full time so hardly see anything of the chickens during the week and they don't get to free range except at weekends so it's hard to spot if there's anything wrong. Well the weather was awful yesterday but we let them out anyway and they enjoyed free ranging despite looking like drowned rats Today since it's not raining we've cleaned out their house whilst they were free ranging and also moved it onto another bit of ground as they'd churned the last lot to mud. We took the opportunity to have a good look at them and while most of them look plump, feathered and generally busy-tailed there is one which isn't it. Pecky (yes, I know!) is still acting as she usually does, ie very bossy, curious and generally pecking everything and seems happy enough and chickening around as usual. However when we first got her she was missing the feathers down the front of her neck, which we assumed was regrowth from a recent moult. However they still haven't grown back AND she now has a completely bald area on her chest. There's no sign of blood so I don't think think the others are bullying her (don't think they'd dare anyway!) but I'm wondering what else might be wrong? She seems more scrawny than the others as well. We usually get 4 eggs a day from the 5 ex-batts and I wouldn't be surprised if it's her not laying. We think a couple of them might have worms as we've seen some very sloppy poos, whereas others are fine so we're buying some grapes tomorrow to dose with flubenvet. Worms wouldn't cause feather loss though would they? I looked in my book and thought it might be lice, but we couldn't really see any evidence on them when we picked them all up and had a look. Should I get some lice powder just to be on the safe side? If so, where from? My local horse place is very small so has to order stuff in for us but I'm wondering if it might be quicker to order online? I just don't know what to do - as I said her behaviour is fine. All the girls seem to be preening a lot today though and I'm not sure whether that's because they'll all itching from invisible lice or if I'm just imagining it! I'm a great worrier Sorry for the essay but would be grateful if any of the more experienced among you might have any advice... Thanks in advance, Laura. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted December 14, 2008 Share Posted December 14, 2008 It is the time of year for moulting. Are you sure it isn't just that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 14, 2008 Share Posted December 14, 2008 One of mine looks a bit like that atm.....I reckon it's just moulting! Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
