Hen Limping and Losing Breast Feathers

[treedawg]

My birds are kept in a secure coop until I turn them out to free range every afternoon.

A few weeks I noticed one of my dominant hens limping. I removed her from the roost to check for bumble foot which I couldn't detect.

This afternoon I noticed she was losing breast feathers and her overall appearance seemed to be declining. She's still eating and foraging but I'm afraid I'm going to lose her.

Not sure if limping and feather lose is related.

No pics but I'll try to add some soon if necessary.

Anything I should be checking..???

 

[Shadowfire]

Pictures would help.

 

[treedawg]

I'll try to get pics of her tomorrow.

 

[Shadowfire]

ok

 

[micstrachan]

How old is she? My hens act very pathetic, sick and drop weight when molting. Has she molted yet?

 

[treedawg]

She's probably 2 yrs old and it's definitely molting season. I've never noticed any of my birds losing breast feathers during the molt.