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Dull feathers
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2018 6:34 pm
by Happy
This is Bebe. She’s part Barred Rock, part Cochin. She’s 20 months old and just regrowing feathers from her first adult molt. Bebe used to have very shiny beetle green feathers. Her new feathers seem very dull. Is this normal?
Bebe now
Bebe a year ago
Re: Dull feathers
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2018 7:40 pm
by Jaye
Not sure what it could be, Happy. I wonder if she doesn't just need a vitamin/mineral boost; stress aid or something like that.
I try to give extra protein (scrambled egg, BOSS, mealworms,etc.) while my hens are moulting, and also add things like sesame seeds and flax seeds to their feed.
I assume you've checked for parasites?
Re: Dull feathers
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2018 8:18 pm
by Happy
No bugs. They get BOSS every day and a flock block once a week but I guess I could add some vitamin water.
Re: Dull feathers
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2018 9:27 pm
by Jaye
Well, here's hoping it's temporary. Maybe it's just lack of sun.
Re: Dull feathers
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2018 10:46 pm
by Ontario Chick
Beside the time of year, there is also the comparison of first flush of youth and fertility, to slightly more mature bird,
she is going to look shiny and bright by spring :)
Re: Dull feathers
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2018 11:03 pm
by Happy
Lol OC all I have to do is glance in the mirror to understand what you’re saying
That makes a lot of sense.
Re: Dull feathers
Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2018 7:02 am
by Farrier1987
Just looking at her feet and comb and the colouring, I am thinking maybe its Hansen's Disease, but I am not sure, there is nothing definitive in the pictures. I sure hope not, because that is really bad.
Re: Dull feathers
Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2018 7:32 am
by Killerbunny
Although I defer to Colin about his diagnosis I wonder if it is just oil and dust from the protective coating on the feather shaft as it grows out? She sure is a looker though!
Re: Dull feathers
Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2018 7:47 am
by Jaye
Geez,
@Farrier1987 , take off those leprosy tinted glasses.
Re: Dull feathers
Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2018 9:06 am
by Ontario Chick
Farrier1987 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 20, 2018 7:02 am
Just looking at her feet and comb and the colouring, I am thinking maybe its Hansen's Disease, but I am not sure, there is nothing definitive in the pictures. I sure hope not, because that is really bad.
Hey whatever happened to leprosy?
Happy wrote: ↑Wed Dec 19, 2018 11:03 pm
Lol OC all I have to do is glance in the mirror to understand what you’re saying
That makes a lot of sense.
My first thought was to recommend you to pull up a picture of yourself at 18, but then I thought that may be a bit too personal
