Help: Chickens Tail/butt feathers falling out. Don't see mites/bugs

[Avberg]

Hi folks! I have a backyard flock of 8 chickens. A few of my chickens (3 or so) are losing their tail and butt feathers. I did an inspection and can't see any mites/bugs.

This is the first time we've experienced any issues with our chickens. We clean their coop daily and put down First Saturday Lime monthly. They are on a high protein feed diet (plus fruit/veggies and grubs, and access to oyster shell).

1. They're about a year old, we got them when they were babies.
2. Behavior is fine. Still eating, active, playful. Poop is normal (we have a poop catching bench so easy to see/inspect). weight has not decreased or increased
3. symptoms have been going on for about 1.5 weeks. Small feathers missing until it being extremely noticable a few days ago.
4. 3 of our 8 birds are experiencing it

Including some photos. Apologies I couldn't take great ones since it was just me trying to capture them.

 

[Yardmom]

What part of the world are you located in?

 

[redinator]

Hi folks! I have a backyard flock of 8 chickens. A few of my chickens (3 or so) are losing their tail and butt feathers. I did an inspection and can't see any mites/bugs.

This is the first time we've experienced any issues with our chickens. We clean their coop daily and put down First Saturday Lime monthly. They are on a high protein feed diet (plus fruit/veggies and grubs, and access to oyster shell).

1. They're about a year old, we got them when they were babies.
2. Behavior is fine. Still eating, active, playful. Poop is normal (we have a poop catching bench so easy to see/inspect). weight has not decreased or increased
3. symptoms have been going on for about 1.5 weeks. Small feathers missing until it being extremely noticable a few days ago.
4. 3 of our 8 birds are experiencing it

Including some photos. Apologies I couldn't take great ones since it was just me trying to capture them.

I'm new to all this, but don't chickens molt every year? Could also be sorting out the pecking order since they're a year they maybe trying to move up and this is the result of their efforts.

 

[Avberg]

What part of the world are you located in?

Colorado USA
we've been swinging between low 20 degrees to mid 50 degrees

 

[WingItRanch]

To me this looks like feather picking. Try observing them for a while. See if someone is pecking at the tail feathers of others. It may also be happening on the roost at night. If this is the case, it could be an issue with overcrowding, lack of sufficient protein, or just boredom.

 

[Yardmom]

I agree with WingItRanch. Molting is still a possibility, but not likely this time of year. What type of space are they in currently? Are they able to get outside at all?

 

[Avberg]

I agree with WingItRanch. Molting is still a possibility, but not likely this time of year. What type of space are they in currently? Are they able to get outside at all?

The coop is roughly 6 x 10 ft, the run is 10 x 10 ft about 12ft tall, covered by a roof

 

[Avberg]

To me this looks like feather picking. Try observing them for a while. See if someone is pecking at the tail feathers of others. It may also be happening on the roost at night. If this is the case, it could be an issue with overcrowding, lack of sufficient protein, or just boredom.

I definitely don't think it's a protein issue: they are given 17% protein layer feed plus grubs every day

Overcrowding, unlikely. 8 chickens for a coop that's 6 x 10 ft and run that's 10 x 10ft, 12 ft tall.

Maybe just boredom? We experienced a cold snap for like a week

 

[Yardmom]

I agree that your nutrition and space sound sufficient.

 

[LaFleche]

The feathers show signs of damage caused by lice which can cause the birds to preen more often in their attempt to clean them off.