Some of my hens have recently become ruffled feathers. Tell me what is the reason and is it scary
For about 20 years he has been breeding laying hens, broilers, geese, ducks and other poultry. Our expert who is always happy to help readers.
Ruffled feathers in a chicken may have:
Physiologically ruffled feathers are observed during the autumn molt. This is a completely normal process. Shedding in chickens can take place gradually, slowly, and quickly. If the bird sheds the old feather slowly, then its egg production decreases and will be restored only after 1-1.5 months, and the feather will slowly be replaced by a new one. If forced molting is done, then the bird quickly loses plumage in 3-4 days, then it overgrows and after 2-3 weeks egg production is completely restored. Sometimes chickens sit with their feathers fluffed up when the weather changes (for rain and cold). So the pen device reacts to the increased humidity in the air.
If the cause is a disease, then you should find out which one. Very often, ruffled feathers are observed in ectoparasites. Fleas, ticks, lice, feather-eaters cause anxiety to the bird. It is necessary to examine both the chickens and the chicken coop. Ticks may not be found on birds during the day, as they do not live on chickens, but only attack at night to feed on blood. In this case, perches, walls, etc. are inspected and measures are taken.
