Lethargic, losing feathers

[bmrtclay]

I usually let the chickens out to roam in the yard in the evening. Last night one of the chickens stayed behind in the run . I went in to take her out thinking that she was just confused. When I set her free a bunch of feathers fell out easily from her body . I am worried that there's something wrong with her she is one and 1/2 years old. Rhode Island Red has been a good layer. It has been cold here at night so I have a heat lamp in the coop.

 

[Poultrybreeder]

She could be molting, she just started late.

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BYC!

She is probably just molting.Chicken molt once they get over a year old.Do you see any Pin feathers on her?They look like Black Needles.You can give her Tuna or Scrambled eggs to help her through the molt.

 

[bmrtclay]

She could be molting, she just started late.

Thank you so much, I've been so worried. I put her in the bathroom in a box and turned the heat on to keep her warm.

 

[bmrtclay]

Welcome to BYC!

She is probably just molting.Chicken molt once they get over a year old.Do you see any Pin feathers on her?They look like Black Needles.You can give her Tuna or Scrambled eggs to help her through the molt.

So what I did was.... I was worried she might be eggbound so I put some lubricant on a glove and checked her vent. When I did the feathers just came out profusely around her bottom. She spent the day mostly in the coop and was very docile when I tried to catch her. Very unlike her grumpy self! But I love her. I hope you are right. Thank you for your help. I will look for the pin feathers.

 

[bmrtclay]

Welcome to BYC!

She is probably just molting.Chicken molt once they get over a year old.Do you see any Pin feathers on her?They look like Black Needles.You can give her Tuna or Scrambled eggs to help her through the molt.

I will also do the tuna and egg. I appreciate your help.

 

[Isaac 0]

I will also do the tuna and egg. I appreciate your help.

Your Very Welcome.

Inspecting them when they are on the perch is much easier.

 

[bmrtclay]

Your Very Welcome.

Inspecting them when they are on the perch is much easier.

She loved the Tuna and Egg! Thanks again for the help.