9 mo old Barred Rock hen missing feathers

[Dairyguy100]

i have a Barred Rock hen that I noticed has lost a bunch of feathers below the breast and between her legs skin seems slightly irritated and red. Never noticed until I picked her up tonight. What could be causing it? My cousin says his RIR hens are going through the same thing. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[Eglo Eggs]

You may have a problem with mites or other insects in the nests. Have your other chickens got red skin in the same area

 

[Wyorp Rock]

i have a Barred Rock hen that I noticed has lost a bunch of feathers below the breast and between her legs skin seems slightly irritated and red. Never noticed until I picked her up tonight. What could be causing it? My cousin says his RIR hens are going through the same thing. Any ideas? Thanks!

Can you post some photos?

 

[Dairyguy100]

I will get photos today. She is the only one that I have noticed. I will check the rest today. How do you treat if it is mites?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I will get photos today. She is the only one that I have noticed. I will check the rest today. How do you treat if it is mites?

Look forward to your photos!

For treatment of mites and lice, use a Permethrin based poultry spray or dust. You can find these at your feed stores like Tractor Supply.

 

[Dairyguy100]

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Looks like the feathers are rubbed off. Could be from getting into/out of the nesting box or she's rubbing them off while roosting.

 

[Dairyguy100]

Okay.... so it might just be rub marks ? I just find it odd it’s only her. Could it be her being kind of broody compared to the other hens, she seems to always be sitting on the eggs in the boxes

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Okay.... so it might just be rub marks ? I just find it odd it’s only her. Could it be her being kind of broody compared to the other hens, she seems to always be sitting on the eggs in the boxes

Is she broody? Does she growl, puff out flat like a pancake if you approach her on the nesting box?
They will pluck their feathers when broody to get better contact with the eggs.
If she is broody and you don't plan on hatching out eggs at this time, it would be a good idea to break her so she doesn't lose too much body condition.