Chicken losing feathers and not laying!

[Jeaninapril]

Hi! We just lost one of our girls about a week ago, not sure if she was sick, dehydrated or something else but we cleaned the coop, checked our other girls and sprayed some De.

She was losing feathers and was lethargic and I think maybe our other chickens hoarded the water from her since she’s bottom of the pecking order but just not sure.

Now one of our other chickens is losing feathers and hasn’t laid in about four days. She’s seems like she’s panting a lot so wanted to see what everyone thinks.
I know it’s molting time right? We are in California and the days are starting to be shorter but it’s still hot so I’m a little confused. Our girls are a year old five or take a few months fiy.

does it sound like molting?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Since you mentioned she's panting and it's hot, how hot is it? What are you doing to help them deal with the heat? Heatstroke can kill chickens for sure, and it can affect laying.

As far as the molting it could be stress molting or seasonal molting but not sure which it is in this case.

 

[aart]

Since you mentioned she's panting and it's hot, how hot is it? What are you doing to help them deal with the heat? Heatstroke can kill chickens for sure, and it can affect laying.

Ditto Dat!

I know it’s molting time right?

If this is their second fall/winter....yes, it's molting time.

We are in California

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[Jeaninapril]

Hi! We just lost one of our girls about a week ago, not sure if she was sick, dehydrated or something else but we cleaned the coop, checked our other girls and sprayed some De.

She was losing feathers and was lethargic and I think maybe our other chickens hoarded the water from her since she’s bottom of the pecking order but just not sure.

Now one of our other chickens is losing feathers and hasn’t laid in about four days. She’s seems like she’s panting a lot so wanted to see what everyone thinks.
I know it’s molting time right? We are in California and the days are starting to be shorter but it’s still hot so I’m a little confused. Our girls are a year old five or take a few months fiy.

does it sound like molting?

Since you mentioned she's panting and it's hot, how hot is it? What are you doing to help them deal with the heat? Heatstroke can kill chickens for sure, and it can affect laying.

As far as the molting it could be stress molting or seasonal molting but not sure which it is in this case.

We have misters set up in their run but they free range during the day in our backyard and we have two water stations set up and lots of shaded areas plus I make a little mud hole that they like to drink from.
It’s their second fall so I’m thinking molting but I’m wondering if I should take her in. Or just watch her.
It’s been 100 degrees here.

 

[aart]

but I’m wondering if I should take her in. Or just watch her.
It’s been 100 degrees here.

Wouldn't hurt to bring n her inside the AC for an hour or so for a 'reset'.

might want to give them all a dose of electrolytes/vits.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-extreme-weather-spiel.75893/

 

[Jeaninapril]

Yep we have the electrolytes abs we’ve never brought them in but I’m about to! Thank you!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Yep we have the electrolytes abs we’ve never brought them in but I’m about to! Thank you!

Hope the electrolytes help! 100F is hot but healthy birds should do ok in it, with shade and plenty of water. However birds with underlying issues can pass away due to heat even under 100F.