My Chickens are loosing their feathers?

Author: Aussie Vet Products   Date Posted:11 December 2013 

Hi,

My chooks are losing their feathers and I think they have mites or lice on them but I don’t know how to treat this. Please help!

Samantha

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Hi Samantha,

The important factor to consider is how are the chooks losing their feathers?

Chickens moult due to their own natural cycle, when there is less daylight or at the end of their laying cycle.

When birds are moulting due to natural cycles, it is important they are getting enough protein through their diet. This can be ensured by using a good quality pellet or mash or supplementing their diet with things such as mealworms. 

If the chooks are pulling their feathers out or pecking at themselves, this can be a sign of mite or lice.

We recommend treating mites and lice on chickens with Pestene Powder once a week.

 This is one of the easiest treatments to use on chooks as they will naturally fluff their feathers up allowing the powder to reach their skin. This can also be sprinkled around the coop.

 

Avitrol Bird Mite and Lice spray should be used to clean the chicken’s hutches or nesting boxes to prevent the mites or lice reinfesting the birds.

If the problem persists, we recommend visiting your local veterinarian or a specialist bird veterinarian for further advice.

Regards,

Dr Simon