4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Minnie the Moocher]

I noticed a lot of feathers under the perch this evening, and my cuckoo marans has lost a 'stripe' of feathers along her spine. The quills have blackened and there are stumps remaining. She has a white dusty substance on her feathers, but no visible mites or pests.

 

Any ideas anyone?

 

I've just lost a lovely hen and I don't want to lose this one; she's my favourite.

[Redwing]

Not meaning to sound condecending but are you sure she isn't just moulting? don't they get the white powdery stuff when they moult?

 

I dare say someone will be along with better advice!

[Egluntyne]

Sounds like a moult with the new feathers emerging.

 

They are wrapped in a white substance which gives the appearance of galloping dandruff when it is shed, as the quills emerge.

[Minnie the Moocher]

So do the quills normally blacken and leave stumps, then?

 

I didn't notice this with the others...

[SillyClucker]

The black stumps you refer to are the new feathers growing through

[Minnie the Moocher]

Aaaah that makes sense. Thanks everyone.