Is this molt?

[newbiechicken]

One of my three-year-old hens looks like somebody has been plucking her. She looks naked! Tail feathers essentially gone, all scraggly looking on her body. Is this molt?

 

[purelypoultry]

That sounds like molt to me.

 

[crazyhen]

Can you see what looks like porcupine quills on some areas where the feathers are gone? If yes it is molt. If there are red angry places or sore looking areas no. Hope this helps Gloria Jean

 

[newbiechicken]

Thanks, crazyhen, that helps a lot. There ARE porcupine quills around her neck. My farrier made me nervous today when he suggested that she should molt in the spring, but I had heard from this board that they molt in the fall. Poor thing, she looks totally nekked. She seems happy and healthy otherwise, though. Anyway, thanks for the help guys!