Hen losing A LOT of feathers!

[OhioClucker]

One of my five hens is losing a lot of feathers! We have no idea why she's losing them but I am worried as we are heading into winter and I'm afraid she'll freeze before her feathers grow back in. Suggestions as to what could be happening and how to fix it?

 

[dawg53]

Probably molt which is normal this time of the year if there are around one year old or older.

 

[mrchicks]

I agree with dawg53. Here's three hens, all molting differently. They look awful, but they are just fine. Hope this helps:

 

[Toddrick]

My hen has a bare back, so I know what you mean. I'm having the wife make a saddle for her, since the inside of the coop is already down to 25F. Hopefully the rooster is snuggling her.

 

[dawg53]

My hen has a bare back, so I know what you mean. I'm having the wife make a saddle for her, since the inside of the coop is already down to 25F. Hopefully the rooster is snuggling her.

You didnt mention that you had a rooster. Your rooster could be over treading your hen resulting in the loss of feathers. She might be his favorite. A chicken saddle will help protect her like you mentioned.
If it is molt, purchase gamebird feed which contains a higher percentage of protein than layer feed. It will help with feather regrowth. Wean your birds off it back to layer feed when feathers are regrown. Here's a couple of pics for you when my two Light Brahmas went into molt, they had their own pen. Then an after molt pic with regrown feathers:

 

[OhioClucker]

Thanks everyone! My chickens are only about a year and a half old so this is my first molt, which I thought happened in the spring. She is acting fine but still worrisome to see all those feathers gone! I will increase their protein and if the temps drop too low she can sleep in the basement.