Long time hen suddenly lossing feathers?

Jajika

Crowing
16 Years
Dec 24, 2007
680
315
342
Northern California
Hi Folks:

I have eight hens. Four have been with each other for at least five years. Hannah Banana, my problem child today, is about five years old and going strong. She is #2 from the top on the pecking order.

About a week ago I noticed her tail feathers thinned out. Then, I noticed a section of feathers missing on her neck.

It's as though she's molting, but none of the other chickens are molting and it isn't molting season, is it?

None of the other chickens appear to be attacking her. My chickens free-range, so it isn't a crowding issue.

She appears to be eating and drinking. So far I have not noticed any unusual behavior, but I keep watching.

I see her dirt bath...

Any clues?

Thanks,

Geri in Northern California
 
Hi and thanks for the good question.

I don't have any roosters. All hens.

Two sets of four in that four have been together for a long time and Hannah Banana is with the "senior" group.

The other group of four are newer and younger.
 

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