I am new here, sorry to start with a question and not an introduction... I have a sick chicken and d

[Kymberly]

We have 5 chickens, the are red sex linked laying hens. For some time one of them was broody and we stopped that by putting her in a temporary time out. She shortly went back to laying but for the last month has ceased. I noticed some extra feathers and assumed that they were molting but I got a really good look at her today and she is the only one. I want to correct what ever is ailing her before it gets out of control. She is eating and drinking, I gave her some and the others some rolled oats and she was very interested in eating them along with the others. The only symptom I can see is the loss of feathers. Does anybody know what I need to do from here?

 

[Judy]

How old are they? Could be a partial molt or even a molt. The others could be pulling her feathers, too, although usually they eat what they pull.

 

[Kymberly]

I don't think the others are doing it because I haven't seen them do it and I do spend a lot of time with them. They are about 1 year old. Is it common for only one to molt at a time?

 

[TravisE]

i got four that are almost a year. they will be on the 24th. red sex links go though a mini molt at around 9 month. my all did. but its usally the tail and neck feather that they loose. my coop looked like some one had a pillow fight in it.
hope this helps

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[Kymberly]

YES!! Thank you, only one so far and that is where all of her feathers are missing it seems. I was worried but other than the loss of feathers she seems to be doing fine. Thank you!

 

[TravisE]

she will look funny for a while. at least yours didnt start when it was in the single digets like mine did

. all you can do is laugh when they are molting.