Can you take a look at this hen and let me know your opinion? PICS

[Chowder]

This is Chowder - she is about 1 1/2 - she is the top hen (only 2 of them in the coop right now). Both hens stopped laying about 2 weeks ago - and we actually found an egg this morning - to our delight - then we saw Chowder. Looks like new growth but there are feathers all over the coop (photos attached). Is this new growth (molting) or does it look like something is getting her? We have watched the 2 hens and it doesn't look like the other hen is bothering her - but we could be wrong. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you. P.S. These 2 hends have been together almost a year. We lost another hen this last summer - but it was one day fine - next day dead. No sickness, etc. And the other two have been fine since. We went out of town and so there were about 5 days of eggs that were collected in the coop - and that is when it seems like they stopped laying - maybe thought they have a clutch to hatch? I don't know - just trying to give as much information as I can.

Any advice is appreciated - we love these gals and Chowder was our first and so is nearest and dearest to us . . .

Thank you,
Alison

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

She is just molting feathers. nothing to worry about.

 

[DDRanch]

New growth, not to worry. Although it is amazing the sheer amount of feathers lost in a moult. And isn't she a beauty? My Delawares are my sweetest girls.

 

[nzpouter]

moult... I found the older the hens the worst they look.. seems to drop all their feather at the same time..

 

[speckledhen]

She looks great compared to some when they molt.

 

[chickenannie]

You can tell it's new feathers coming in, when the little fluffy bits start to poke out of the quill like they're doing in your pic. First come the little quills, then the feathers. It should look much better in about 2 weeks.

 

[JennsPeeps]

Hee hee... she looks like a q-tip dispenser!

 

[Catalina]

Ah Ha!
This is why my Delawares are so pokey now when I hug them.
I thought they were growing spikes to keep me from snuggling them!

 

[Chowder]

WHEW! Thank you for your responses. I read them last night - but wasn't able to log on to post a reply! I feel much better. I had read about it - but wasn't sure if that is what it looks like. She is a beautiful gal and I just love her to death!

"Hee hee... she looks like a q-tip dispenser!" - that is funny!