Hen with no feathers on chest- doesn’t appear broody?

[Jmash]

hello!!
I have a 10 month Australorp who I just noticed has no feathers on her chest. The bare skin seems healthy and she does not appear to be broody as she is outside, free ranging all day. She is still laying, but is slowing down.

I don’t think she’s being picked on since she’s head of the pecking order and I haven’t observed any aggression. (She’s actually our bully Typically).

Is this just a broody patch? Or is there something else I should be looking for? Her feathers seem okay, and her comb is vibrant red.

Also, our coop is an open air coop and we live in California. The temp is mild over winter (50s), but we do get fog. Should I be doing something since she doesn’t have full feather coverage? (I should add we do have an more sheltered area in the coop for them to take refuge in should they wish).

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Hens will either wear off chest feathers or pluck them for better egg contact when sitting on the nest. They don't need to be broody to do this. Your hen will be fine, especially at your temperatures.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Can you post some photos of her?

 

[dawg53]

There's also the possibility that she's rubbed her breast on the roost when sleeping at night. Also inspect her for lice/mites just in case.