Feather loss in chickens can appear in backyard flocks for several different reasons, besides the annual fall molt. Whether your flock is suffering from this condition due to lice, behavior problems, or another cause, learn how you can prevent and cure feather loss in chickens.
Key Takeaways
- Feather loss in chickens can have several causes, including molting, rooster breeding, feather picking, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and lice or mites.
- Natural molting usually causes widespread feather loss along with the appearance of new feather growth.
- Check for parasites if feather loss is concentrated around the vent, under the wings, or accompanied by excessive preening.
- Provide chickens with a complete, nutritionally balanced diet with adequate protein to support healthy feather growth.
- Reduce boredom, stress, overcrowding and aggressive behavior to help prevent feather picking.
- If feather loss is accompanied by wounds, scabs, weight loss, lethargy or other signs of illness, investigate the underlying cause and seek veterinary advice when needed.
Molting and Natural Feather Loss in Chickens
Molting feather loss in chickens is usually easy to recognize by the large amount of chicken feathers scattered in the coop and run. Most chickens molt annually in the fall, but even when molting other times of the year, a molting chicken is easy to spot.
Another way to tell if a chicken is molting is if they have new feathers growing in. These little feathers may not be visible to the eye at first, but if you lightly brush the back feathers up, you will see new feathers poking through.
Feather loss in chickens is no big deal if the cause is molting, but if caused by a dietary deficiency or behavior problem, it’s time to act.
So, why does non-molting feather loss in chickens appear, and how do you keep it from happening? Here are several suggestions and solutions to fix the feather loss in your flock.
Feather Loss in Chickens from Rooster Breeding
In flocks where a rooster(s) is present, hens will often display feather loss near the comb, where the rooster holds onto the hen’s head feathers to keep from sliding off her back during breeding. Hens that are frequently bred will also have feather loss on their backs, necks, and shoulders. If at any time, the hen’s back is ripped open, be sure to isolate the hen until she heals and her feathers grow back.
To prevent feather loss in chickens due to overbreeding, maintain a good hen-to-rooster ratio (about one rooster for every ten hens). Limit the number of roosters per flock to prevent breeding aggression.
In flocks where there is only one rooster, put a hen saver on the rooster’s favorite hens to prevent significant feather loss. ( found from hatchery websites, farm supply stores, and Etsy.) Not all hens or roosters respond well to hen savers (some roosters will try to spur the hen saver and cause injuries to the hen wearing the protective clothing), so be sure to observe your flock to make sure everyone responds well to your hens’ new look.
Feather Loss in Chickens from Feather Pulling
Another cause of feather loss in chickens is feather pulling. While feather pulling is a sign of cannibalism, that is not the only reason some chickens pull feathers.
Other reasons feather pulling may occur include boredom, stress, and nutritional deficiency. Chickens that feather-pick are often sly, so you may have to do some detective work to catch the culprit. If feather picking occurs during the day, discovering the problem chicken is usually easier than chickens that feather pick at night.
However, if you suspect one of your chickens has a feather-picking bedtime ritual, here are a few steps you can take to stop the problem.
Separate the feather-picking hen at night to prevent further feather loss.
Say no to artificial light in the coop. A dark coop at night will make it harder for a chicken to see her targets and help reduce stress in the flock.
Relocate the feather pecker. Sometimes, a simple rearranging of the chickens on the perch after the hens fly up to roost for the night can stop a feather picker from pulling feathers.
Feather Loss in Chickens Due to Boredom and Stress
Stressed and bored chickens can be prone to feather picking, for lack of anything better to do. Often in backyard chicken flocks, these two emotions (boredom and stress) are intertwined.
Preventing stress and boredom can be challenging, so if you aren’t sure how to prevent them in your flock, here are a few suggestions.
- Provide a spacious coop and run
- Avoid overcrowding the coop and run
- Avoid free-ranging (supervised free range time instead to cut down on predator attacks)
- House aggressive breeds separately from docile chickens
- Remove flock bullies
- Prevent predator attacks (While most chickens who were attacked by a predator are too traumatized to engage in feather pulling, predators are one of the largest stress factors in backyard flocks.)
- Provide chicken-safe, mental stimulation, such as treat balls, chicken swings, etc.
Feather Loss in Chickens Caused by Protein Deficiency
Protein deficiencies can be a common reason for feather loss in chickens, especially in high-production breeds. A lack of protein in the diet can cause chickens’ feathers to become brittle and fall out, but it can also contribute to feather pulling.
If not provided with enough protein, some hens will start to pick and eat feathers, including already dropped feathers off the coop floor.
Supplementing your flock’s diet with additional chicken-safe protein is an excellent way to help your flock rebuild its depletion. Add healthy protein sources to your flock’s diet, such as black soldier fly larvae, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, and cooked scrambled eggs.
Feather Loss in Chickens from Lice and Mites
Feather loss in chickens can also be caused by a lice or mite infestation. Lice and mites can irritate the skin, cause chickens to preen excessively, and damage feathers, resulting in feather loss, especially around the vent and under the wings.
To check your flock for lice, carefully part the feathers around the vent area. If tiny, straw-colored bugs are visible or clusters of white eggs are attached to the base of the feathers, you may be dealing with a lice infestation. If you suspect lice, use a poultry-safe treatment that is specifically labeled for use on chickens, following the product’s directions carefully.
Mites can be more difficult to spot because some species spend much of their time off the chicken and hide in cracks and crevices in the coop during the day. One way to check for mites is to inspect the underside of perches and other dark areas of the coop, particularly first thing in the morning.
If you find mites or lice, treat the infestation promptly using a product labeled for poultry and follow all directions, including any required repeat treatments. Because parasites can remain in the coop and environment, thoroughly clean the coop, nesting boxes and perches as part of the treatment process. Always follow the product label regarding application, egg withdrawal periods and other precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my chickens losing feathers?
Feather loss in chickens can occur for several reasons, including normal molting, rooster breeding, feather picking, stress, boredom, nutritional deficiencies, and lice or mite infestations. Identifying where and how the feathers are being lost can help determine the cause.
How can I tell if my chicken is molting or losing feathers for another reason?
A molting chicken typically loses a large number of feathers and will have new feathers growing in. You may see new feather shafts, sometimes called pin feathers, emerging through the skin. Feather loss without signs of new growth may have another cause.
Why is my chicken losing feathers but not molting?
Feather loss outside of normal molting can be caused by rooster breeding, feather picking, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or external parasites such as lice and mites. Look at where the feathers are missing and check your flock for other signs that can help identify the cause.
Can a lack of protein cause feather loss in chickens?
Yes. Protein is important for healthy feather growth, and an inadequate diet can contribute to poor feather quality and feather loss. Feeding a complete poultry ration appropriate for your chickens’ age and purpose is the best foundation for meeting their nutritional needs.
How do I stop chickens from picking each other’s feathers?
First, try to identify what is causing the feather picking. Overcrowding, boredom, stress, aggression and nutritional problems can all contribute. Providing adequate space, reducing stressors and offering safe forms of enrichment can help reduce feather picking.
Can lice and mites cause feather loss in chickens?
Yes. Lice and mites can irritate chickens and cause excessive preening, which can contribute to feather damage and loss. Check the feathers and skin carefully, particularly around the vent and under the wings, if you suspect an infestation.
Final Thoughts
Feather loss in chickens can occur for many reasons, from normal molting to parasites, feather picking, stress, breeding and nutritional deficiencies. Paying close attention to where and when feather loss occurs, along with your flock’s behavior and overall health, can help you determine the underlying cause.
Providing a complete, balanced diet, adequate space, a low-stress environment and good parasite prevention can go a long way toward maintaining healthy feathers. If feather loss is accompanied by wounds, skin irritation, weight loss or other signs of illness, take a closer look at the cause and seek veterinary advice when needed.
This article about feather loss in chickens was written for Hobby Farms and Chickens magazines. Click here to subscribe.
