Hen getting picked on badly!

[darcieharrell]

Hi all,
I have a mixed flock of 15 about 2yrs old. They have all been together since chicks. Over the last couple days "they" (not sure who) have really been picking on one hen. All of her feathers are missing from her underside, the back of her neck and spots in various other places. At first I thought she was attacked, then i realized every day it was getting worse. She looks thin as well. Are they doing it because she is sick? Do i separate her? They are free range on a couple acres during the day and have plenty of room at night. Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[sourland]

Are you certain that she is not in a full blown molt ?

 

[darcieharrell]

No. Not sure at all. Everyone was molting but I've never seen anything like this. Does it get that bad?

 

[CanadaEh]

do you have a rooster? Our roosters used to intervene and separate fighting hens.

 

[darcieharrell]

do you have a rooster? Our roosters used to intervene and separate fighting hens.

Yes. I have one roo.

 

[CanadaEh]

have not done it myself, but i believe the procedure is to separate the bullied hen to allow her to feed and recuperate for 1-2 weeks and in front of the rest of the flock (so they would still see her but could not touch her). This suppose to give her strength while breaking the other's habit of picking on her. Good luck.

 

[aart]

No. Not sure at all. Everyone was molting but I've never seen anything like this. Does it get that bad?

Did you see the other birds pecking?
What all and how exactly are you feeding...how are they housed??
Pics might help.
Might need to separate her.