Hen plucked bald overnight!

[ValerieJ]

I think a good all flock or flock raiser feed with oyster shell on the side will help her and any of the other hens molting grow their feathers in faster. Happy to see she is just molting.

 

[hatchie]

Thanks. There is ground oyster shell in their 17% feed. I gave her the yolk from a hard-boiled egg while she was inside. She's back with the flock, now.

 

[ValerieJ]

Thanks. There is ground oyster shell in their 17% feed. I gave her the yolk from a hard-boiled egg while she was inside. She's back with the flock, now.

Yes, that's why I mentioned adding oyster shell if you put them on the all flock or flock raiser. It has a higher protein content, which can help them grow feathers faster, but oyster shell would have to be offered for the ones that are laying. Mine all stop laying when they molt.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

She's 19 months old, the other hens in the coop she came from are either the same age or older. The rooster is the same age, as well.

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

I agree her skin does not look angry. Some will molt fast and others slow. How you can see them still falling out on the towel is a good indicator that this is not inflicted by another flock member but indeed more indicative of molt.

Your feed is probably fine... but I do agree a little more protein (and amino acids) *can* help during molt... and as egg production slows with age, they may not need the full 4% calcium in most "layer" feeds. The rooster could do with only about 1% calcium. For this reason and also because I often have chicks... I feed 20% protein Purina Flock Raiser (always) with oyster shell on the side free choice for active layers.

Adding your general location to your profile can help folks make their best suggestions possible at a glance.

 

[chrissynemetz]

I agree, I believe she's molting.