Hen with naked belly

[sminasian]

Hi Everyone!

I have a flock of 5 girls who just turned 1 year this month. I noticed today that my australourp, Sophie, has a naked tummy and coming up into her breast area. She is not broody, is eating fine, stools are fine and she is active as usual. Plus, there are no feathers laying around the coop or in the run.

I checked her skin and don't see any sign of mites or parasites. I use DE in their coop and in their dust bathing area.
There is also no sign of trauma, or injuries such as if another hen were pulling them out.

Anyone seen this before? Should I be concerned?

Thanks in advance

 

[linuxman]

It sounds like she has cold feet. My birds do this to a lesser extent in the winter. It could be molting as well. If there are no parasites, it could be picking.

 

[iwiw60]

Sure sounds like she's getting broody from everything you describe. Just watch her closely .. do you have a roo, will the eggs be fertile?

 

[sminasian]

No we don't have a roo, she lays her eggs early in the am, but is always out and about when I go back to let them free range.