I’m unsure of what is wrong...

[BallyFarm]

My one hen has lost her feathers on her neck and her legs look really weird. I’m still new at this whole chicken thing and I’m very unsure what is wrong. And how to fix it...please help because she looks awful!

 

[NuggetTheChicken]

How old is she? Is she over the age of one? If so, she must be molting. Her legs look normal in this picture, so not sure whats weird, maybe more pics should solve that. They look red maybe because of winter heat transference, which is when winter is approaching, the blood flow in a chicken's legs increases so that they don't lose as much heat through their feet, which causes them to be a pinkish color. I am not sure though.

 

[BallyFarm]

She is almost two and that’s what I thought but it’s been almost two months and her feathers still haven’t grown back. And her sisters didn’t have this heavy of a molt and her legs seem really red. But if that’s normal maybe I’ve never taken notice.

 

[NuggetTheChicken]

To be honest, I'm not really sure. Maybe they aren't growing because of mites or she needs more protein. Not sure about the legs too. Maybe they are naturally red, or there is something wrong. Again not very sure.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

My one hen has lost her feathers on her neck and her legs look really weird. I’m still new at this whole chicken thing and I’m very unsure what is wrong. And how to fix it...please help because she looks awful!

I agree that she should molt soon if she hasn't already... but that skin looks angry and red on her neck. I can't tell if those are old broken feathers or if they are new pin feathers still coming in. Is she laying eggs?

The legs do look normal-ish to me. The red is sometimes an indicator of hormones and other times maybe just circulation/cold weather. The very very slight raising of scales near her ankle are age related and not scaly leg mite (SLM). My older hens (3-4 yrs) will eventually flake an old one off and brand new fresh one is waiting underneath. If you see yellow growth coming from underneath pushing it up, that would be SLM.

I recommend checking after dark, keep it dim using a headlamp or flash light part the feathers just below the vent and on the abdomen and look for crawlie things running away. This method usually gives a much clearer picture than day time inspection as well as usually prevents any chasing. If the skin looks red and angry... you likely dealing with mites or lice. Also notice if there are any "dirt clumps" hanging onto the feather shafts in that area. Post more pics if you like. Whole body pic from farther away?

If it looks light pink below the vent like normal flesh... those feathers on the neck may have broken off in a scuffle and will not regrow until they are molted out. Maybe the redness is caused by a scuffle that continues?? Got any bullies?

Feathers are made from 90% protein and its' amino acids. Good nutrition of a formulated ration not diminished by EXCESS treats can go a long way toward a healthy immune system. Also dual purpose hens will do best with at least 18% protein. I prefer Purina flock raiser (20%) with oyster shell on the side for active layers. Since switching, I never use "layer" feed... and my birds go through softer molts, recovering more quickly than before and returning to lay sooner.

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[BallyFarm]

I have one bully but she isn’t really that mean, her feathers are definitely coming back. But I’m just worried about how long it’s been taking. And I’ll definitely check on if it’s mites or not when I do my nighttime check.