Chicken picking out feathers

nanahas6girls

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Hi, I am new here on BYC. I have a Rhode Island Red adult hen who had been laying normally. She has now began picking out all her feathers on her belly, won't lay eggs, fluffs out her feathers, & talks a mile a minute if I get close to her, pick her up, or move her from the nesting box. She will scratch, eat, & drink. I don't know what is going on with her. There are 5 other hens in the coop with her, no roosters. Thoughts as to what may be going on? She isn't being cranky to me, but she is to the other girls.
 
Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you.

Your hen is broody. Unusual for an RIR but broodiness is sometimes dependent on the individual. You can break her of brooding, or, if you wish to add to your flock, you can consider giving her chicks or fertile eggs to raise.
 
Welcome to BYC.

I wonder if she may have mites?

Here's a similar thread with a good many replies to it... https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/260621/chicken-plucking-its-own-feathers-please-help

I hope you find an answer quickly!

Ed

ETA: QueenMisha responded while I was talking. Thinking about it I can see where broodiness would/could cause these symptoms. Like QM said...find some fertile eggs and expand your flock.
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Hi and welcome to BYC - i agree with QM that it sounds like she has gone broody. If you do wish to break her broodiness, the type "broody buster" in the search box.

All the best
CT
 
Hi, I am new here on BYC. I have a Rhode Island Red adult hen who had been laying normally. She has now began picking out all her feathers on her belly, won't lay eggs, fluffs out her feathers, & talks a mile a minute if I get close to her, pick her up, or move her from the nesting box. She will scratch, eat, & drink. I don't know what is going on with her. There are 5 other hens in the coop with her, no roosters. Thoughts as to what may be going on? She isn't being cranky to me, but she is to the other girls.
Thank you all for your answers! I appreciate the help
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I will be breaking her broodiness (sp?)
 

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