My oldest and dearest hen, Stewie, has recently had her feathers around her beak start growing in towards her beak. The feathers are also discoloured, although they became that way when she was raising her last clutch (approx. 6 months ago), and never really recovered. She is quite happy and active, eating well, etc., but I am concerned the feather growth could be a sign of something more serious or will cause problems with her beak. Here are some pics - not the best - clarity wise, but the best I could get.

 

 

 

Hope you can help!

Close up clearer photo please. Use macro setting on your camera

hmmm hard to tell. When in doubt call a vet I say...

What foods do you give her??

 

If its not a food stain, then she has possibly been vomiting. I would recommend getting her to the vet promptly.

If you can lighten up your picture it may help and repost.

 

Staining of feathers if not food related "can" be caused by the respiratory system being irriated or an infection. Merlin had this after he had stayed my my Mother In Law's because she burned candles (inspite of my warning).

Sorry, I was afraid the picture wasn't good enough - I will try to get a better picture and re-post. She gets a mixture of seeds, fresh greens and fruits, millet weekly and egg/veggy casserole on a semi regular basis. Her diet has not changed for ages.

Sorry, I was afraid the picture wasn't good enough - I will try to get a better picture and re-post. She gets a mixture of seeds, fresh greens and fruits, millet weekly and egg/veggy casserole on a semi regular basis. Her diet has not changed for ages.

 

I have a hen who developed very similar feather issues after raising her last clutch. She's got very good feather and they seem to clog together. I caught her up and brushed the affected feathers with a stiff toothbrush, no problems since.