Hen loosing feathers on head

[lmh317]

I have a 3 year old Rhode Island Red hen that is in a large-ish coop with 5 other hens. In addition, they have a 60' x 80' fenced yard that they run in. She has lost most of the feathers around her head, is loosing a fair amount all over her body and the feathers that remain are pretty ratty looking. I'd say she was molting but no one else is (last time they all molted together) and I've never seen them loose their head feathers (although I'm pretty new at this so....). Should I be worried?

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

She's either molting or other chickens are pecking her. Give her lots of protein.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

She could be molting. Not all birds molt at the same time. Take a good look at the head and neck. Are there a lot of pin feathers coming in? (feathers with a skin in them and they look like little pins) If you see a lot of these, yes, she is molting. Was she broody recently? After being broody, this can send them into a full or a mini molt. If she is only losing them in a very tiny area, then chances are she is being bullied. If the skin is really red in this small area, she could have some sort of mites. I am guessing she is molting.

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you decided to join our flock. It certainly sounds like your hen is moulting. If you want a second opinion, you can always post on our Emergencies, Diseases, Injuries, and Cures section at https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures. Good luck with your hen.

 

[gander007]

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens

 

[BantamLover21]

Glad you joined us!

 

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome to BYC!

We're glad to have you.