[cejx]

2 of my girls are losing their feathers.  It doesn't appear to be a moult as its a bit random and nothing seems to be growing back and I cannot see any signs of feather pecking from any of the others - they are top of the hen pile anyway.  Any ideas?

Thanks as always.

Claire

[Casey76]

Check for feather mites or other unwanted visitors

If the feathers aren't growing back, you might want to increase the amount of protein they are getting for a short time; or it is possible that they will not get new feathers until the next moult.

[cejx]

we had a look for nasties and they've been getting a lot of extra protein.  At first we thought it was the top top hen plucking their crops, but seems to be be spreading across their bodies.  They're starting to look like proper ex bats again!

[Sassy]

Sounds like a moult, at least its not the middle of winter!

[mr.mellow]

Have a look at this link http://www.dandydesigns.org/id34.html .