Hen looks all plucked on her underside!

[ehuson]

My Buff Orpington has lost all the feathers on her underside. The skin looks fine, no sign of sores or cuts or anything, and she is lethargic and stays in the coop most of the time (I would too with no feathers...). Is this just molting or is it mites or something. All the feathers on top are fine.

edward

 

[enola]

If she is staying in the same place and makes strange noises and PUFFS all her feathers up when you approach her, she is probably going broody for you

 

[ehuson]

She DOES do that, but there's no cockerel for her, so wish her luck! why would she lose the feathers?

Thanks for the reply

 

[Buck Creek Chickens]

they pluck there feathers so the skin touches the eggs to keep them warm, if you want to break her you will need to put her in a cage with a wire bottom so her underside cool off.

 

[Year of the Rooster]

They also pluck the feathers to line the nest. And a hen doesn't need a cockerel to set. If you want her to hatch some eggs you may have to order some or just go to a local farm and ask for some eggs.

 

[ehuson]

Ahhh. that would make sense. Thanks for the great info!