Do hens do this as they get Older?

[bobbi-j]

Your chickens do not need a heat lamp in the winter. They need a dry, well-ventilated coop that keeps them out of the elements and doesn't have a draft on them.

Your hen probably has molted, but you didn't notice. Not all of them molt so hard they look like they've been plucked (I've had a few of those poor birds - they look pretty pathetic before their feathers start coming in again.)

Daylight Savings time has nothing to do with when they slow down production. Their system is wired around the amount of hours of daylight. They don't go by a clock. The daylight gets shorter whether there is Daylight Savings Time or not. Your hen could be getting toward her laying career.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

If she molted all her "naked" spots should have grown back,that seems to be what happens when some chickens molt and they have bald spots,the feathers just grow right back in.
as far as I know,this chicken has not made an attempt molt through the years.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I agree that you do not need to provide heat! It can cause more issues including feather picking. Not to mention the added possibility of a fire. And it makes it harder for them to adjust going out of the heat and into the cold. Then back into the heat.

The birds are wearing a down jacket. It's toasty inside there. And they settle down right on top of their feet. Chickens are able to maintain their body heat quite well to the point they hatch chicks like it's nothing. They tuck their beaks in if it's a bit chilly. Ever see pics of chickens hanging out in the snow? I have. As long as the wind isn't blowing through their feathers from drafts when they are roosting and you have enough ventilation you should be fine.

And hey, Grandma saves a little on her power bill! More $ for chicken math!