Is this molting or something else? (pics)

[Bella54330]

I'll preface by saying that I am brand new to chickens. Here's our history so far: I purchased 3 (approx. 1 yr. old) hens in mid-April, and have since exchanged one because she wasn't laying, and when she did (only twice in a month) they were bad eggs. We have had the replacement chicken, which is a little younger (about 3 months old) for about 2 weeks. The older chickens were torturing her, so I separated them using the "see but don't touch" method.

The chicken below is one of the originals (Daisy), and she was laying an egg every single day from the day I got her up until Saturday. Today will be her 3rd day not laying, and I'm wondering what's wrong with her? Is she molting? Is she under stress? Is she upset that she doesn't get as much room as she had before the little chicken came? She has been missing a few feathers since the 1st week I got her. She wasn't missing any feathers the day I got her, and now, she's missing a lot of feathers and has stopped laying. I don't know what's going on? She acts healthy, I've never seen her get picked on, and I use sand and DE in the coop, so she shouldn't have any mites. She is the most stand off-ish of the 3, so she won't let my pick her up either.

Does anyone know if this is molting or something more serious?

Any advice welcomed.

Thanks!
Bella

 

[Lacrystol]

Ok first of all Chickens are not going to lay every single day for a year, there will be a period of time where they will take a break. It may take a month or less or more before they pick back up. So that's really nothing to be concerned about. Is there a rooster on the premises? If so the rooster could be getting rough with his lady friends, this is normal activity. If not, then it is possible that they are molting again nothing to worry about..

I don't think you have anything serious going on. When you do BELIEVE me you will KNOW.. They are not shy to hide it.

 

[Bella54330]

Thanks LaCrystol! My main concern is that I won't notice if something does go wrong. While I understand that they will not lay every day, I was concerned because it seemed out of the norm for her not to be laying. I'm so glad that I wrote this post, as you have put my mind at ease for the time being.

There is no roo here, so I suppose she could be molting. I was under the impression that molting was a bit more sudden than just losing a few feathers here and there, but I suppose each case is different. Thank again for your advise! It is truly appreciated!

Bella

 

[Lacrystol]

When something seriously is wrong, you should notice it right away, the most common sign would be eyes closed and sleeping all the time, or laying around and not moving or going outside to free range, limping, not eating or drinking, snotty eys, there sooo many different signs I really doubt it if you miss it.. So I wouldn't worry about missing or not noticing the problem signs because believe me you will. LOL..

 

[JNorth]

I used to feel the same way until we had our first sick hen. After spending time with them and getting to know there personality you can tell when something is off. As soon as I looked at her standing still, puffy and tired... I knew!

 

[Lacrystol]

I used to feel the same way until we had our first sick hen. After spending time with them and getting to know there personality you can tell when something is off. As soon as I looked at her standing still, puffy and tired... I knew!

 

[Bella54330]

Well- it seems she's back on the laying wagon. After 4 days off, she's laid yesterday and today. Perhaps she just needed a rest, maybe it was the loss of her old pal, Lily, or maybe it was the replacement chicken, Nugget. Either way, seems she's ok after all. I still don't understand the feather loss though. Very odd, indeed.

 

[Chickenlady2013]

my leghorn who is about 20 weeks old stopped laying 5/29 and hasnt laid since. she was laying everyday since april 25. shes been eating, drinking and acting fine. i was puzzled cause i thought molting was a winter thing. im just waiting it out and hopefully she'll start back soon.