Featherless hen

[rosemariec615]

I have one hen in my flock that is suddenly missing a lot of feathers. The weather has just turned cold here and I'm concerned. She seems to hang out by herself so maybe she's the lowest on the pecking order, I've just never seen it to be quite so extreme with our ladies.
She didn't like it but I put a fleece neckwarmer on her (with holes for her legs & wings) tonight. Appreciate advice. Thank you. Rosemarie

 

[theoldchick]

Bless her heart. I believe she's molting.

https://the-chicken-chick.com/molting-what-is-it-and-how-to-help/

 

[tlcmurphy]

Yep, I’ve got one of those too, darn near butt-naked due to a hard molt. And of course it’s ridiculously cold here now, poor girl!
Related question- This is our first molt, how long does it take for feathers to grow back in?

 

[theoldchick]

Yep, I’ve got one of those too, darn near butt-naked due to a hard molt. And of course it’s ridiculously cold here now, poor girl!
Related question- This is our first molt, how long does it take for feathers to grow back in?

In a well-fed healthy bird, it should take about 6 weeks for a hard molt.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I agree it looks like a hard molt.
I see a ton of new feathers coming in so she won't be naked for long.

 

[rosemariec615]

Yep, I’ve got one of those too, darn near butt-naked due to a hard molt. And of course it’s ridiculously cold here now, poor girl!
Related question- This is our first molt, how long does it take for feathers to grow back in?

I've NEVER seen this happen before and I've been keeping ladies for 10 years. I've been so worried! Thank you! I'll up her protein and try & speed the process along. Rosemarie

 

[ChickensoftheHill]

I have one enduring a "soft" molt and that has been touch to watch as we have a blizzard coming tonight, but I keep hearing that they are tough, she will be fine : ) This is my first flock, too. She is beautiful, btw. What kind of chicken is she?

 

[The Birb King]

I believe she is molting, however if you have too many aggressive roosters the hens can lose feathers.