My friends 7 month old chicken just went broody and quit the nest early and is now losing feathers and not laying eggs. Is this normal? Especially the losing feathers part. Breed is California white
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Is your friend sure she was broody? Cali whites, based primarily on Leghorn genes, are definitely not known for going broody. A pullet that young generally does not do so either.
However all pullets/hens will cease to lay when broody. Once she gives up or the clutch hatches then they will go through a molt.
Quote: Unusual for 7 month old to molt, but it happens.
They'll grow back, give her some extra protein.
But good idea to check her for lice and mites, parting the feathers down to the skin especially around vent...
....and you may see some new pin feathers growing so handle carefully.