Eglu Cube Coop For Sale

[Isabel]

A bit worried about my Orp. Lots and lots of feathers in the henhouse the other morning, not so many since. I'm pretty sure they're coming from her. Gave her a good look over the other day and all looked okay although when she shook herself after I'd put her down, the feathers floated out. Fast-forward to today and rather than coming over with the others when i went into them, she stayed lying in the muddy border where they'd all been mud-bathing (no dust-baths here at the moment!). Anyway, she looks like she's a bit thin on feathers under her belly and underneath her vent is bare in a line running down for about 3 inches - there are what look like new feathers coming through. Can't see any other balding patches. She's eating alongside the others - although they did both peck her when I was holding her on the ground looking at her. I fed them corn and watched them eat together and they were fine. She hasn't laid for about 4-6 weeks. We got her in May at around 15 wks old and she started to lay at around 26-28 weeks. I'm assuming she's just stopped laying for the winter. Eyes bright, comb red, no nasal discharge, no sign of any nasties amongst her feathers, hasn't lost any obvious condition. Do I need to worry? Is it a moult - but then it's her first winter and everything I've read says she won't moult her first year.

 

Thanks!

 

Isabel

[meezers]

If you can't see any other cause, then I would guess it is a moult - chooks don't read the books ,I'm sure one of mine had a partial moult in her first year. Maybe give her a little protein boost with some maggots or mealworms. If new feathers are coming through she should be fine in a few weeks.

[Donna C]

I'm no expert but i've got two orpingtons about 22 weeks old. They had a small moult and i've noticed some more feather growing through when i sprayed them. I thought orps layed all through winter although may slow down.Hope this helps abit

[Isabel]

Thanks for the advice. Shall try to find something protein-y to give her a boost.

[coco]

i've got a Sultan that is this years hatch and she is having a moult, white feathers everywhere. She is fine in herself . Poor ex batt Lola is moulting and has lost her tail feathers, she's a right scruffbucket at the moment.

[Daphne]

Its sounds like the moult - I wouldn't worry. Chooks can moult first season. BTW its not common for them to lay over winter. They can, of course, but most don't.