Laying hen missing feathers on breast, help !

[Johnnyfly41]

I have a mixed flock of layers, 26 birds total. One of my Barred Rock hens has a bald patch on her breast down low. No signs of injury or pecking, just no feathers. I am thinking this must be mites or some other infestation, but welcome any advice. If so, how should I treat her and my flock to prevent the spread of this, cure her. I have seen no evidence of distress in the birds, feather picking or anything.

Thank you,

John

 

[Dani4Hedgies]

John,
Is this hen laying on the nest and hissing or trying to peck you when you come to collect eggs? If so then the hen is broody and has pulled her breast feathers to line her nest to make it warmer for her chicks. If not then my next question would be how old is she and is it possible she is molting?

 

[Rickba]

Is she starting to molt? It's getting to be this time of year. My red Sex Links are starting to molt.

 

[Johnnyfly41]

Thank you for the replies. My birds are about 9 months old. Have not noticed any broody behavior from this one. She acts perfectly normal.

 

[Dani4Hedgies]

OK so then she is most likely going through her first real "molt" you would know if you had a mites as when you handled your birds you would see the little bugs moving around and there would be a gathering of white hard lumps where they eggs are waiting to hatch.