[carolena]

Ive had my three lovely chickens for just over a year now, all of a sudden two of them have lost the feathers on their bottom,  it looks awful.  I do all the things to keep them healthy, worming and mite powder etc evey month.  Anyone have any idea what this is before I go rushing of the the vet.

Thanks  Carolena

[Nicki85]

They could be moulting... A couple of mine moulted about a month ago, lost all their tail feathers, started looking bedragled... Now they are starting to grow them all back again and they look a lot better  Are they still laying? 

[carolena]

Thanks for your reply,  yes they are all still laying most days I get three eggs.  Also their tail feathers are up, which I have been told means they are healthy.  I will give them a double dose of meely worms for the protein and hope that helps too.

Carolena

[4chooks]

Yes, feathers up healthy.... feathers down usually means not so good...

Your chickens could have pulled these out when pruning themselves if going through a bit
of a molt.. I wouldnt worry about it and they should come back.

Unseasonally mild weather at the mo... Also why are the mite proofing every month???

[joyfull]

they are probably moulting however do check for lice on the feather shafts. If you find lice then treat with either frontline spray or ivermectin - both of which are available from your vet