Loosing feathers and sleeping alot

[My ladies]

Would anyone know why one of my Ladies would be staying in the coop all the time and loosing her belly feathers. She does seem to have something. I was thinking of taking her to the vet. If anyone can help please let me know. Thank you!

She is 1 year old and has never had any problems. I have 3 other ladies and they are not experiencing these symtoms.

 

[citygirl]

I'm not an expert but she may be broody. Is she sitting on eggs? Hens pluck some of the feathers on their belly to keep the eggs warmer.

 

[Beekissed]

Is she sitting in the nest box all the time? Does she kind of growl at you if you try to touch her? Is this thinning of feathers just on her belly?

If so, she sounds like she is getting "broody" which is the state of increased hormones experienced by a hen who wants to lay eggs and hatch them. No illness but an opportunity to increase your flock if you have a roo to breed with your hens. If not, you can let her sit on a golf ball or two and when they don't hatch, she may lose interest.

There are various ways to dissuade a broody from wanting to sit....if you do a search on the term "broody" you will find a slew of them!

Good luck!

 

[Mrs.Puff]

BROODY!!!