rooster losing neck feathers and sides of crown

[sourland]

The white looks like new feather shafts to me, normal in a molt, but maybe I'm seeing it wrong. Some will have a light molt and just look a little scraggly, I have one girl who goes half bald and looks horrible! Depends on the bird.

Nope, not seeing it wrong those are new feathers coming in during the molt. I would also guess that some of the hens are pecking at and removing some of these new feathers from his neck. Very likely the healthiest most pristine looking hen in the bunch is a feather plucker/eater. Removing him from the flock until he completes the molt might help.

 

[Shelitt]

How do I treat lice, and mites? I have a powdered substance for them to use in their dirt bathes but I'm using vinegar water to clean the coop they stay in.
Is this enough and they're coop is at ground level. Should I bring them higher up off the ground?
S.L.

 

[Debbie292d]

How do I treat lice, and mites? I have a powdered substance for them to use in their dirt bathes but I'm using vinegar water to clean the coop they stay in.
Is this enough and they're coop is at ground level. Should I bring them higher up off the ground?
S.L.

Hi, and welcome to BYC!

You're on someone else's post in our Welcome Forum so may want to post one of your own so we can all meet you.

That said, most here use Permethrin powder for mites and lice. You can put some in an old sock and pat down your chickens with it, making sure to get the vent area and under the wings.

That powder can also be used in the coop, just kick the birds out and shake it everywhere, including the nest boxes. If you have cats, keep them away from your coop for a day or two.

 

[Jener8or]

If he loses any more feathers, you should post his picture in the Best (Worst) Chicken Molt Pictures - 2024 Contest. These pictures might actually put him in the running, anyways. Welcome to BackYard Chickens! I hope we see your rooster looking like a new man once his feathers come back in!

 

[FAVEROLLES LOVER]

What is the white matter on his feathers? Are you treating him with something? Could he be molting? Have you checked him over completely for mites/lice, etc?

I have seen white matter on chickens that have been pooped on from a higher roost or walking under a roost at the wrong time. My flock is going through a harsh molt this pretty much looks like it. Also started them on fermented feed, B12 and up the protein. Getting only 3-4 eggs a day from 14 hens but summer has been so hot and humid I don't blame them. We love our chickens and I know it hurts to see them go through these phases. Good luck wish them well.

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to Backyard Chickens. Glad that you have joined this fun and poultry loving community.