Is this severe molting or something much worse?

[Frankiegirl]

Hi all - I was wondering if you can kindly weigh in and let me know it this is mid winter molting or potentially something worse? The pins are bloody and she is very timid right now. There are also feathers missing on her tail as well as thin on other parts of her body. I cleaned her up and she was very docile with me. Just want to be sure I shouldn’t be doing anything else for her other than keeping my eye on her.

Just want to be sure

 

[ChickNanny13]

Is she with others? IF she's with others, have you noticed where she is on the pecking order? is she being pecked on? Pin feathers don't bleed during molt unless they're being peck at. I maybe wrong, wait to see what others have to say

 

[coach723]

This may have been started if a single blood feather got broken, then once blood was drawn it attracted attention and more pecking. I would crate her where the others can see her and she can see them until risk of bleeding is stopped and no blood is visible.

 

[Frankiegirl]

***UPDATE***

Wanted to update everyone in case you are going through a similar situation. My Butterscotch was indeed severely molting and has fully recovered and has started laying again.

Thanks for the help here as always.

 

[cherrynberry]

Your chicken is molting in the winter that is unusual.

You need to keep her separate from the flock. She will be a target for damage by your other chickens.

Molting chicken are very vulnerable and sensitive during this period.

I have several who molt during winter.

For the OP: She is molting, which is normal. She is also getting bullied though. You might want to separate her for a while. Some chickens will peck at new growth. At the very least, wipe off the blood, since chickens are attracted to red.

 

[Chickengirl2671]

If you can make her a seperate section from the others until she is done that would be good.

 

[cherrynberry]

Looks like molting, but either she is pecking at herself or one of the other chickens are. I know not everyone is a fan of bluekote, but I've used it on issues like this and the pin pecking stopped. Usually when they are molting this extreme they self isolate within the flock. But, if you remove her, it could only make the issue worse once you pur her back in with the flock.

Not if she is in a "see no touch" situation. But I do agree that its best if they don't bully her after the blood is cleaned or blue-koted.

 

[Tonyroo]

Your chicken is molting in the winter that is unusual.

You need to keep her separate from the flock. She will be a target for damage by your other chickens.

Molting chicken are very vulnerable and sensitive during this period.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I'm no expert but if she is molting (which seems like unusual timing indeed) then she is also getting picked on. In my experience chickens don't bleed when they molt.

 

[Pierre duck drake]

It looks like she is molting, if you have other chickens you can put blue coat on her so she doesn't get pecked, I'll tag a few people for you, @The WinterWolf, @Chicken girl2671, @Lenny loves chickens, and maybe @Miss Lydia can help too!!