Feather Loss
Feather loss can generally be assessed using the transect method. However, certain parts of the body, such as the keel and belly areas may not be visible without using the catch and release method.
Basic Assessment: Occurrence
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Feather loss is only scored if feathers are missing and bare skin can be observed. If feathers are damaged, but skin is not observable, it is not scored.
To be scored as feather loss, the area of bare skin should be at least 2 cm at its widest point (approximately the width of a US nickel. |
Detailed Assessment: Severity
Score 0
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Score 1
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Score 2
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Additional Scoring Guidelines
Feather loss can either be scored for a hen over her whole body, or on separate areas of the body. Looking at the pattern of feather loss on separate areas of the body can sometimes offer insight into why the loss is occurring. For instance, hens with loss on the front of the neck and breast areas may be showing signs of cage-wear, whereas hens with loss on the head and vent may be showing signs of aggression in a flock.
Whether the whole body, or separate areas are being scored, the same scoring system as described above is used, with the exception of the head. Feather cover on the head occurs over the eye, and around the comb. The head area extends slightly beyond the back of the comb (see photos below). As the head is such a small body area, a percentage can be used for scoring loss. If 50% or less of the head is showing loss, it can be scored as a yes for occurrence and a 1 for severity. If more than 50% of the head shows feather loss, it would be scored as yes for occurrence and 2 for severity.
Whether the whole body, or separate areas are being scored, the same scoring system as described above is used, with the exception of the head. Feather cover on the head occurs over the eye, and around the comb. The head area extends slightly beyond the back of the comb (see photos below). As the head is such a small body area, a percentage can be used for scoring loss. If 50% or less of the head is showing loss, it can be scored as a yes for occurrence and a 1 for severity. If more than 50% of the head shows feather loss, it would be scored as yes for occurrence and 2 for severity.
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This photo shows a side view of full feather coverage in the head area. The head area is encompassed by the black box. This would be scored as No for occurrence, and 0 for severity.
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This photo shows a top view of full feather coverage in the head area, again encompassed by the black box.
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This photo shows a hen with 50% feather loss of the head area. You can see the area over her eyes (indicated with the white arrow) is still fully feathered. Only the area behind the comb has feather loss. This would be scored as Yes for occurrence, and 1 for severity.
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This hen is missing almost all of the feathers on her head (black box). She would score a Yes for occurrence, and a 2 for severity.
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This is another view of the same hen from a different angle. Here you can clearly see the outlined area of the head that is missing feathers, both over the eye and behind the comb.
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