emmab Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 I have had a broody hen, she has just about got back to her normal self and then this morning I discovered the coop full of feathers! I couldn't tell where they were coming from (although I knew they were her's) and when i picked her up they were falling out in my hands. She's only 5 1/2 months old so seems a bit young for moulting. Do you think the broodiness and feather loss are connected? I spray the coop weekly and sprinkle red mite powder in their bedding so i dont think its that. She's also in a vile mood and being mean to the others! any ideas would be appreciated!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 Probably just moulting, my Pigeon has been pretty rotten while moulting guess they just feel vulnerable. I would just check she's getting her food to build her up and perhaps a tonic like poultry spice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 Sounds like a moult to me too - I love grumpy chickens, they're such a pleasure to be around!! BeckyBoo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 My hen, Kentucky, who was broody a few months ago, and raised 3 chicks, has had a spectacular moult, and now looks like a hedgehog with umpteen grey spikes, and no tail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 Mine always moult after being broody, not always a full moult but tails and necks especially. Gives them a nice fresh start before they go broody again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yolky Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 Last year I only had one moulter (and it seemed to only be a mini moult) this year I appear to have 2, my is looking very unkempt, if anyone who didn't know anything about chooks saw her they would think that we werent' looking after her properly. Rosie has never moulted. One thing about it is a pain, just a week ago they were all laying like troopers, so much so we had a glut of eggs and I gave 12 away thinking we will soon re-fill the egg box, however since then we have been lucky to get one a day and have been considering buying eggs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmab Posted November 22, 2009 Author Share Posted November 22, 2009 Thanks everyone! Makes me feel better to hear other chooks are doing the same. I think it's just tail feathers and they're are no bald spots on her I just had a right shock when I opened the coop, it looked like they'd had a pillow fight in the night! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 Two of my three are moulting, so not eggs and the third Ebony only lays softies. The shame of it I had to buy some eggs this week Emmab I hope you girl sorts herself out soon. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmab Posted November 22, 2009 Author Share Posted November 22, 2009 Me too! we've only had them since June so we're learning something new every day and I absolutely love it! they are wonderful fascinating pets, always entertaining and brilliant company. I'm definately hooked!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 When we first had ours I was amazed at how interesting they were. Would not have believed it if someone had told me. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...