Dominique losing her feathers

[BuffyandBella]

I just noticed my 1.5 year old Dominique has lost her feathers on her saddle area. They are all over the pen. What is happening and what do I need to do? She lives with 2 Buffs and a Rhode Island Red. Plenty of space. just went through terrible cold spell for a few night, but I did have my heater on in their coup. We live along the Guld Coast. Any help is appreciated....I am new to this but love my ladies. this is my first health issue with them. thanks

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Your hen is probably starting her first big molt. She will lose and regrow feathers for a month to six weeks, stop laying, and may act more withdrawn or even puny. Feed her a little extra protein in her feed--20% is fine, or supplement her regular feed with some gamebird feed to help with feather regrowth. Vitamins and a probiotic a few days a week may help her immunity as well.

 

[BuffyandBella]

Thank you so much! I was afraid of an infection or lice! Yikes!!