52churchlane Posted September 5, 2010 Share Posted September 5, 2010 Help I have two chickens they have both lost some feathers underneath their torso. (They are about 2 years old now) I've looked for mites but I cant see anything. I did try mite powder but it didnt seem to work. It has been about a month now it hasnt got any worse or affected their appetites but I am only getting about 4 eggs a week between them. Has anyone got any suggestions as to what it might be or what I need to do to sort it out? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted September 5, 2010 Share Posted September 5, 2010 Moulting? or pulling out feathers because of warm weather? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fujcube Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 My RIR & Light Sussex were the same. Think they were moulting although, when it happened to my Orpington, it was because she was broody.They lose more feathers on their underside so that they can incubate their eggs more efficiently, or something like that, said the wife!!! Regards, fujcube Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
52churchlane Posted September 6, 2010 Author Share Posted September 6, 2010 Would they stop laying if it was the warm weather? I havent seen them pulling the feathers out. So I dont think it is that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fujcube Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 I don't think they pull the feathers out if they are broody, it seems to be more of a natural process. As for the warm weather and stopping laying, I couldn't really say. I think that a lot of people assume that when they get their hens, they will get an egg a day from each of them without fail. It's only when you have had them a while you begin to realise there is so much more to keeping hens than originally thought. Regards, fujcube Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheryl Posted September 7, 2010 Share Posted September 7, 2010 I have a few he ns with bald bellies, they sound as if they are broody, are they sitting inside on eggs all the time?. when you go to touch them do they make a noise at you and raise their tails?.. dont worry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted September 7, 2010 Share Posted September 7, 2010 In summer my Grackle always loses feathers under her chest, I think it is just a mechanism for dealing with the warmer weather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
52churchlane Posted September 11, 2010 Author Share Posted September 11, 2010 I think you may be right re moulting as it seems to be the common consensus. They look healthy but we are only getting about 4 eggs a week between two of them. I'm feeding them some poultry spice in an effort to increase production. If anyone has any other ideas as to how to get them to lay a bit more please let me know. thanks for your thoughts so far much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
