She’s not up top but she doesn’t seem to be at the bottom of the order. No lice or mites. I’m really careful with the coop and clean/lime inside. No one else is losing feathers.
It is unlikely that upping the protein will keep them laying during molt, not that I have ever heard of, anyways. Molt will generally make them very very crabby, like a teething toddler. You will see feathers everywhere, and the wattles and comb will shrivel up and become dry looking. They will probably isolate a bit and not want to be around anyone. It tends to happen in the fall, and they will usually go off of feed and stop laying. I think some people have reported it in the spring, but not often. My guess is she is getting her feathers pulled, but you may have to sit and observe to know for sure. Look at the bare spots closely for broken feathers if you can. Broken feathers will indicate feathers being pulled rather than molting. But others may also be pulling the feathers out without breaking them off, so it isnt a definitive way to tell for sure.
No very few of them have designated spots. Also the more I think about it the more I don’t see how she could be pecked at under her butt like that in the coop. Usually when I have a bully it’s the base of the tail. It started under her butt and front of her neck.
You know your hens best. Keep an eye on her and let us know. Be wary that off season molts may indicate stress such as illness or being kept from food, though. Otherwise a molt shouldn’t be triggered until daylight gets shortened.
Thank you! I’m definitely watching real close now.
