Black flakes on a hen molting

[hersheyhappyhens]

Can anyone help with this. We noticed a prominent keel bone on this hen three years old. She was in a heavy molt. We started feeding her extra protein. All these black flakes were coming off. She was weighing at 3.11.8 pounds. Another molting hen we were feeding protein extras has no black dander. We took scotch tape and pressed her skin in several places and did not find any evidence of mites. We thought perhaps northern fowl mites but are not sure. We have a Meraks positive flock

 

[hersheyhappyhens]

Please help. Of the flock of hens, this 3 yr old is the only one I noticed having these black "dander" flakes. I noticed her keel bone was prominent and took action. This week I brought her inside to feed some high protein food to help in the molt along with one other hen. She eats, has a full crop from taking her off the roost at night to feed her inside. The poop is on a cover with the black flakes. The red is tomato seeds and juice that she loves after she gets sardines, meal worms, and other protein. Her feathers are growing back full. Her weight tonight was 3.11 pounds. We wanted to monitor her weight. Her energy seems normal. Our flock is Mereks positive. We did a scotch tape press on some bare skin. We did not see any mites or eggs.

 

[Debbie292d]

Since you said she's regrowing feathers, that could be where it's coming from. They push up through the tubes and excrete dried blood. When they preen, they may break those open too and it's a good thing.

I'd first have guessed mites though.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

There was a thread about this recently but I can't find it. If I recall, someone said it's the dried blood from inside the feather shaft. Nothing to worry about.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Her feathers have some dark pigment, I see keratin sheaths from where the feathers have emerged and pushed through, which is normal.

Does she have access to dirt so she can take dust baths?

I'd feed her her normal nutritionally balanced poultry feed and a few higher protein goodies like egg, fish or meat a few times a week. Molting birds often don't feel well and don't eat a lot.

 

[hersheyhappyhens]

You friends are so amazing. We have all the ideas implemented concerning feed and dust baths. The dried blood was my thought, but I wanted to investigate other potential issues. That confirms what I thought it might be. Thank again.

 

[elianatena93]

Can anyone help with this. We noticed a prominent keel bone on this hen three years old. She was in a heavy molt. We started feeding her extra protein. All these black flakes were coming off. She was weighing at 3.11.8 pounds. Another molting hen we were feeding protein extras has no black dander. We took scotch tape and pressed her skin in several places and did not find any evidence of mites. We thought perhaps northern fowl mites but are not sure. We have a Meraks positive flock

My black silkie he is 7 weeks he has black dander as well.