Feathers Missing

[Zack11122]

So I have 1 of my buff orpingtons. They're all 9 months old but this girl is the only one losing feathers. It's got to be too early to molt and they aren't fully dropping out. Any ideas?

 

[Wezdin]

I would do a thourogh check for feather mites also, welcome to BYC!!!!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

So I have 1 of my buff orpingtons. They're all 9 months old but this girl is the only one losing feathers. It's got to be too early to molt and they aren't fully dropping out. Any ideas? View attachment 1615774

It does look like she's molting.
Hard to see in the photo, but from what I can tell by your asking, that's new growth you are seeing, the feathers are still in the protective keratin sheath which will eventually come off.

Not sure why, but seems quite a few "early molters" have been posted about this year. I even have 1 at 9 months. Never had that happen before.

 

[Keziah]

They might be starting their molt, that is where my girls started. it was on her neck too

 

[Fishkeeper]

Those odd stubby bits are new feathers growing in, so I suspect she's molting.

 

[rebrascora]

Just looks like a normal neck moult. They can happen to juvenile birds in their first year, but is not common. I would not be concerned about it.