an unusual molt

[Woodlawna]

I am not new to raising hens, however, I have one hen 18 mos old, that has lost feathers on both sides of her body. For weeks now, no new feathers seem to be coming in. The skin is red and looks raw...no blood, although sthe others pick on her...she has not lost any other feathers. She likes to squeeze in on the perch at night. Is it possible its from hens rubbing against her? She stopped laying too.

 

[azygous]

Your hen's baldness could be from any number of causes. If it is molt, you'd see some pin feathers coming in, as well as a lot of feathers flying around the coop. If it's from the others picking her feathers out, you'll need to watch and observe to see who is the culprit, then try to find a way to stop it.

It could be from parasites. Look at the base of her feathers for crawling things or crusty-looking things clinging to the feather shafts.

It could be dietary. She may not be absorbing the nutrients properly from her feed. If she's quit laying, this may be something to look at.

You'll have to be your own investigator, ruling out things until you find the cause.