Hens fighting or molting or something else?

[Australorpfamily]

Didn't witness it, just the aftermath, looks like a murder scene, had to do a head count because their netting was fown- all accounted for!

But... I'm pretty sure I know the culprit as we've had a few issues of her wanting to pin down others as they squat for her and comb peck.

Finally figured out which one lost all the feathers. Although there are a mix of gray, white and orange.

Is it just pecking order fight or is she molting?(or both) Or is the one trying to be a rooster? (Yes it is a hen I've watched her drop eggs)

Pics included. Pumpkin is from yesterday.

Indiana here and other posts with set-up on site.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It is molt.
People in their first year of raising chickens are often surprised to find what looks like the aftermath of a pillow fight in the coop, run and yard.
Chickens may do so sooner but from their second autumn and each year thereafter, you'll see that.

 

[Australorpfamily]

It is molt.
People in their first year of raising chickens are often surprised to find what looks like the aftermath of a pillow fight in the coop, run and yard.
Chickens may do so sooner but from their second autumn and each year thereafter, you'll see that.

Thanks, I'm hoping she's just molting, she's only 24 weeks and hasn't been laying but maybe 3 ish weeks. Our inside rooster rooster molted in spurts but never giant piles and our older girls are few feathers here and there not pillows lol

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Some will most first autumn.