Fran A Posted September 18, 2010 Share Posted September 18, 2010 I have 2 Poland hens at around 15 weeks old now. The last few days I have noticed that their head feathers seem rather sp"Ooops, word censored!" and they have lost their lovely 'bonnets' I only have the 2 chickens so is it possible that they are pecking each other's feathers out or is there a more sinister cause?? They seem very healthy, eating and growing well and do appear to get along very well together. Should I be concerned? Any help appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 Feather pecking is the most likely answer, although they can get lice/mites in their crests which must irritate them/possibly be attractive to another bird to peck as they move. So, I'd do a thorough check for creepies and treat accordingly, make sure your birds have enough room and aren't bored enough to peck, possibly consider giving them a booster supplement (eg lifeguard) in case they are lacking something, and see if you can catch a culprit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 I agree with Daphne about the feather pecking. One year one of mine looked like a monk with a tonsure! Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squidsin Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 One of mine has lost feathers round her neck, but I have not caught any of the others having a go at her - she's the most aggressive of my three anyway. They seem to be growing back though. I think she's just moulted tbh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 yes - losing neck feathers is usually a neck moult. I had one doing a good impression of a naked neck chicken with a tuft on her head earlier this year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fran A Posted September 23, 2010 Author Share Posted September 23, 2010 Thanks all, well not sure if these girls are yet old enough to moult?? They are just coming up to POL. The two of them get on really well and I have never seen any aggression between them. They free range round our quite large garden by day, so I don't think that they would be bored? and on close inspection, I cannot see any mites etc in their crests but I will treat them just to be sure. The feathers are certainly growing back as you can see them 'shooting' out of the little quills and the birds seem happy and healthy enough, so I am not panicking, was just curious really. Thank you for all your advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
