Hens losing feather

[kcasey444]

My hens recently started losing feathers in their wings and neck and almost looking smaller. I do not see any injuries or lice or mites on them. And they seem to be eating and drinking good still. They seem to not be laying as much as well. But still pretty good (only an egg or two less a day). I thought they were molting but I’m not sure anymore. Any advice is needed!

 

[Chicken_Obsesser]

They may be getting broody. What are the temps where you live? Do you have a rooster?

 

[kcasey444]

They may be getting broody. What are the temps where you live? Do you have a rooster?

It’s about 70 to 80° and I have recently added a rooster to my flock

 

[Chicken_Obsesser]

The third picture looks like damage from mating. There's something out there called a chicken saddle that you can find at Tractor Supply. Just put it on your chicken's back and it protects her from the rooster's claws.

 

[Chicken_Obsesser]

I have a chicken with feathers missing around her crop area. I'm not sure if this is the case, but I suspect she may be broody. The same might be going for your hen as well, however, I have less evidence to support this theory. I don't think they'd be molting around this time of year, but that is possible. @Wyorp Rock do you have any thoughts?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

My hens recently started losing feathers in their wings and neck and almost looking smaller. I do not see any injuries or lice or mites on them. And they seem to be eating and drinking good still. They seem to not be laying as much as well. But still pretty good (only an egg or two less a day). I thought they were molting but I’m not sure anymore. Any advice is needed!

Do you have a rooster?

The loss on the top the wings does look like mating/mounting damage.

The loss at the neck is due to being picked/plucked. Do all your hens look like they have feather loss, or just a couple? If only a couple, then the hens that still look good are likely the ones plucking at them.

Damaged and broken feathers will not be replaced until molt which is usually in fall.

 

[kcasey444]

Do you have a rooster?

The loss on the top the wings does look like mating/mounting damage.

The loss at the neck is due to being picked/plucked. Do all your hens look like they have feather loss, or just a couple? If only a couple, then the hens that still look good are likely the ones plucking at them.

Damaged and broken feathers will not be replaced until molt which is usually in fall.

Only three look like this the others are all looking like normal. Should I separate them?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Only three look like this the others are all looking like normal. Should I separate them?

I wouldn't separate them, I'd observe behaviors, access feed and space.
Insure they are all getting enough to eat and have adequate space to get away from one another, especially during roosting.