Feather Loss--not Moulting--Broody Patch?

[flippyfeets]

I have a bantam cochin (Miss Frances) who is missing all her feathers on her belly! She has been acting very broody lately, and growls at me whenever I reach in the nesting box/roost. I have read about a broody patch--is that why she is missing all her feathers on her belly? Or, should I start treatments for mites?

Thank you for your help!

 

[pwand]

That would be the broody patch. Hens have a hormone that casuses the belly feathers to come off.

 

[flippyfeets]

Thanks! Do I need to give her any extra protein or anything?

 

[pwand]

No you don't need to give her anything extra. She should be fine.