Bare patch

[Suehans64]

First time chicken owner here........one of my 12 week old chickens has a bare patch roughly 2x3” on her chest—completely bare down to the chicken skin. A bunch of her feathers are lying around in the coop. The others don’t seem to be pecking at her. Help

 

[littlepip]

has this hen gone broody? Broody hens lose the feathers on their chests, in order to better incubate their eggs. This is called a "Brood patch". Does your hen seem to be sitting on her eggs all the time? https://www.mypetchicken.com/backya...icken-have-a-bare-spot-on-her-chest-H199.aspx

The only other cause I can think of would be mites or lice. check the feathers around the bare spot, and see if you can spot any small bugs.

 

[Cyprus]

has this hen gone broody? Broody hens lose the feathers on their chests, in order to better incubate their eggs. This is called a "Brood patch". Does your hen seem to be sitting on her eggs all the time? https://www.mypetchicken.com/backya...icken-have-a-bare-spot-on-her-chest-H199.aspx

The only other cause I can think of would be mites or lice. check the feathers around the bare spot, and see if you can spot any small bugs.

This pullet is 12 weeks old.

 

[Cyprus]

What breed is she? Slow feathering breeds, such as dual purpose breeds, tend to have bare patches as they shed their down before their pinfeathers come in.

 

[littlepip]

This pullet is 12 weeks old.

Whoops! Didn't see the age of the pullet. Sorry!

 

[coach723]

Having bald spots at times during a juvenile molt is not uncommon. They have several mini molts until they get their first real adult set of feathers. If you think it is something else, pictures would be helpful.
https://www.wideopenpets.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-molting-chickens/

 

[Suehans64]

has this hen gone broody? Broody hens lose the feathers on their chests, in order to better incubate their eggs. This is called a "Brood patch". Does your hen seem to be sitting on her eggs all the time? https://www.mypetchicken.com/backya...icken-have-a-bare-spot-on-her-chest-H199.aspx

The only other cause I can think of would be mites or lice. check the feathers around the bare spot, and see if you can spot any small bugs.

 

[Suehans64]

Thank you. These hens are only 12 weeks old and not laying yet. I’ll check for bugs. Seems like some of the other birds might have the same issue if it were bugs......

 

[Cyprus]

Thank you. These hens are only 12 weeks old and not laying yet. I’ll check for bugs. Seems like some of the other birds might have the same issue if it were bugs......

What breed is she?