Belly feathers

[delyrium]

I’ve got a 1.5 year old Buff Orpington. Seems totally fine and healthy except for her feathers on her belly. She is not broody, though since I got her two months ago she sleeps on the coop floor instead of the roosts. No matter how many times I put her on the roost, she ends up on the floor. Pics seem to show new feathers growing in? No sign of mites that I can see. Thoughts? (I’m a newbie with four hens and really appreciate guidance! Just want to do right by these ladies)

 

[Debbie292d]

When she sleeps on the floor, does she make herself a bit of a nest? Is she laying eggs in that area on the floor too? My first thought is she wants to sit on eggs as she's probably the one who pulled those feathers out.

If none of the above, I guess I'd get some permethrin dust and dust her over well, and all the areas she goes.

 

[Eggcessive]

She may be molting. Those are pin feathers coming in and she is at the right age to molt.

 

[delyrium]

Interesting. She was laying there when I first brought her home in early June, but since then she lays consistently in the nesting box next to that spot. Molting makes sense too - I just realized she also has some pin feathers coming in under her wings and on her neck. If she is molting, what can I do to support her?

 

[Eggcessive]

Just offer some high protein foods. Many use Flock Raiser 20% protein during molting or when they are not laying. I usually offer some scrambled egg bits once a day, since they don’t eat a lot during molting. Many chickens take to a nest box when they are feeling poorly. Just bring her out occasionally and check her over for mites and lice, and that her crop is emptying overnight.