We are new at being chicken owners ande have 7 chickens all hens that are all the same age of about 10 months old. One of our Brahmas are loosing her feathers. I watched them today and none of them are picking on her but she is shivering cold. Could she be molting? We have never wormed our chickens and we give them free range during the day. I am just wondering why she is the only one loosing her feathers. What should I do? Thank you for the advise.
Yes, molting is my first thought. You would think that it would happen during the warmer weather (if you have 4 "real" seasons), or that they'd all molt around the same age, as I thought--but, you would be wrong. There doesn't always seem to be any logic to the timing of a moult. One of mine went into it around the beginning of winter--not that it's been a very "wintery" winter here this season. If you are noticing any other symptoms, post 'em, to let the more experienced members help out. Good Luck. And by the way: and! Next, you can post your introduction to the community, let everyone know about you, and your chickens, and...
When my chickens started molting about the beginning of fall, it seemed each one molted one at a time. That could be why it looks as if something is wrong with your hen because she is the only one molting. Good luck with your chickies!
3 of my chickens molted this winter at different times. When I saw the first one do it, I didn't recognize her as she had completely lost her tail and looked so odd. The other 2 did the same thing and one of them lost so many feathers that I could see bare skin. She looked terrible. She must have been freezing as it's been colder lately. You would think that they would molt when it's warmer.
Thank you all. It does make me feel better to know that this is not some kind of illness. I would really be sad to loose her. Thanks Marlene
