2 year old Australorp with no feathers on underside

[hawk]

We have 1 hen with a very large area under most of her belly with no feathers and very red. No signs of any other problems, eats well, normal weight, as far as we know she still is laying. We also have a RIR with a small spot on each wing at the top joint with no feathers, suspect she's getting pecked, no idea with the other one though. Anyone know the possible cause and how to treat? ointment or topical cream?

 

[l'abeille]

The hen with the naked belly is loosing feathers due to maternal hormones. It means she will probably go broody soon--set on her nest, fluff up her feathers, cluck a lot, stop laying. You can search under "broody" to get more info. It's totally normal and healthy, though, so don't worry.