Buff Orphington Molting at 9 months old???

[st marys peeps]

I have been seeing feathers in and around the coop for the last 3 weeks or so, but no one looked like they were molting. I was gone for 4 days and upon returning home, I see that one of my Buffs has lost a lot of feathers on her neck! I have no roosters and I do not believe the others are "pecking" on her as they have been together since they were about a week old. I am wondering if she could be molting? She is around 9 months old (born late March 2012). None of the other 3 seem to be molting, even the other Buff I have.

Please help as I am worried about her and this is my first year with my babies!

 

[sourland]

More than likely she is molting, and if so you should soon see pin feathers apearing.

 

[st marys peeps]

Thanks Sourland... that makes me feel a little better. I tried to get a look at her neck while she was running around outside, but wasn't able to get a hold of her. I wanted to make sure there are no bugs or anything, but I would think the other 3 would be having the same issue if it was bug related?

Also, what will the pin feathers look like? I tried to look up pics on the site, but didn't really find any that I could actually see how they look.

We had a friend watching the chickens while we were away, and he said she was acting normally but I will start watching her tomorrow.

Thanks again!

 

[Gargoyle]

Post photos so people can see the feather loss pattern, that will help determine if it is molting or pecking.

 

[sourland]

Pin feathers are spikey, quill like sheathed in a translucent material.

 

[RhodeIslandRedFan]

Here is a picture of pinfeathers. If she's molting you should see pinfeathers. If she's being pecked, you may not see pinfeathers and the area may look bare and red. http://www.avianaquamiser.com/posts/How_chicken_feathers_grow/

 

[Chicks Galore3]

I am having the same problem with my 9 month old Buff Orp!!! Bad thing is I am leaving for a 5 day trip day after tomorrow and I might have seen a dot of blood.