Are my hens molting?

[Sakai]

Hi!
I've had chickens for over 10 years and in that time, I've never had one molt. (At least not an obvious molt)
I have 4 RIR hens over 1-year old that look half-naked right now. They are missing feathers on their neck, back and the tops of the wings.
At first, I thought it was possible they are the Rooster's favorites, so I sanded down the points of his spurs to see if that helps any. But someone posted a picture of a hen in molt and it looked just like mine.
Is there a way to tell if they are just molting or just the favorites? I'm sure they don't mind, It's extremely hot right now, but I want to make sure the rooster doesn't need to be removed for a bit.

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

Can you post pics?
Also, have you checked them for lice or mites? Just to rule them out..

 

[staceyj]

If you pick one up and put it on your lap and go through with your fingers gently, you’ll find pokey looking pinfeathers coming in.

I say gently because chickens are very sensitive when they are molting. Those pin feathers hurt coming in!

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

If the bird was the cockerel or cock’s favorite they would have a bare back.

 

[Sakai]

Here are some pics.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Here are some pics.

From the pictures provided your birds are molting and they are your cockerel/cock’s favorites.

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

From the pictures provided your birds are molting and they are your cockerel/cock’s favorites.

X2

How old is your roo @Sakai ?

 

[Sakai]

X2

How old is your roo @Sakai ?

He's about 3 years old.

 

[Sakai]

Haha So they are molting AND the favorites? The poor girls.

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

He's about 3 years old.

Hmm.. i doubt you'll get him to stop being to rough on em at this point. Can you seperate him for a short time? Just to give the girls a break..

Haha So they are molting AND the favorites? The poor girls.

Yeah, id say thats the issue.
You could also try saddles for the girls if you cant seperate.