Bantam cochin losing feathers

[katskoop1958]

My Bantam Cochin is suddenly losing the feathers from her feet. She has stopped laying also. We did just move 4 pullets into the coop about a week ago. The feather loss just started about 2 days ago. Her feet do look reddish. Wasn't sure if it was stress from the new hens. Please advise.

 

[ChickyBoy417]

Could be stress from new hens, she could be molting if her egg production has slowed.The other pullets might be arranging their pecking order with the cochin because they have never seen her before. Are the other pullets feather footed? If not, they could be pecking at her feet feathers because they are unusual and the pullets are just curious to find out.

 

[katskoop1958]

We bought the chicks in April, introduced them to my other hens this summer, have been roaming the yard together for a while. The cochin known as Black Betty is top of pecking order however one of the young hens an Astralorp seems to be challenging her. I don't believe they are pecking her it appears they are just falling out. Maybe she is molting. Have only had backyard chickens since July of last year and haven't seen a molt yet. Just concerned. It appears the qwill's are still on her feet. Appetite is still good. I will watch and see, I just feel bad for her.