Is this molting??

[Mandied]

I know probably a dumb question but my husband and I are justing wondering if this is molting. She is the only one of our chickens whose belly looks like this.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Possibly getting picked on a bit.?

 

[Mandied]

Possibly getting picked on a bit.?

That would explain why she is so skiddish around my husband and I. She always tends to hide in the corner away from the others.

 

[pennyJo1960]

That would explain why she is so skiddish around my husband and I. She always tends to hide in the corner away from the others.

There is product called blue coat to stop picking might want to get a bottle.

 

[Mandied]

There is product called blue coat to stop picking might want to get a bottle.

Thanks

 

[Ankarankar]

Thanks

The blue coat prevents chickens from picking on another chicken? I am still fairly new at all this.

 

[TooCheep]

Yes. Red "wounds" attract further pecking from chickens. The blue coating largely dissuades being pecked at. That said, I really think it is just molting. The second picture shows "pin feathers" that are starting to push out into full feathers.

Molting is uncomfortable for the chickens. They are far less likely to like being petted, held or otherwise touched while it is going on, so temporary behavioral differences are common during this period.

It wouldn't hurt to put some of the blue coat on that red patch just as an overabundance of caution. That product belongs in your chicken first-aid kit anyway. You can find it online or at farm stores locally. There are liquid and ointment versions available.