Feathers falling out and black poop

[gabz44]

I went out to the coop today and notices feathers everywhere. When you just touch my buff Orphington feathers fall out. What could be wrong? Is this molting ? I also noticed some black poop which I'm assuming is hers...

 

[Eggcessive]

Yes, that sounds like molting. It can literally happen in hours. Can you post a picture of the droppings, and find out if all are the same. Chicken droppings can vary throughout a day, whether they are cecal or regular poops, what they have been eating, and how much water they are drinking. How is your BO acting otherwise. Mine seem standoffish, low energy, stop laying eggs, and eat less during their molt. Most chickens born in springtime 18 or more months ago may be molting right now. Mine all are in various stages of molt. Here are some good articles about molting:
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2011/12/molting-what-is-it-and-how-to-help.html
http://www.grit.com/animals/molting-what-is-it--how-to-help-chickens-get-through-it
http://www.nutrenaworld.com/knowledge-center/poultry/the-molting-process/