Loosing feathers, swollen bottom!

[CountyLine]

One of our hens- 1 yr old- has lost feathers under her vent, is swollen there and seems to be loosing more and more feathers from other places everyday. I thought it is too soon for her to molt...could it be stress?
Also- Did a warm water soak last night and separated her to see if she is laying or not. No egg yet. Maybe I'm overreacting? She is eating, drinking and seems happy, but she does move slower and sometimes stands with her tail lowered. Any thoughts? This is a pic of her bottom a few days ago...

 

[chickencutie]

I have the same problem with a couple of mine. idk what it is or how to stop it, but they've been like that for a couple of months and have been ok. i think it might be pecking or something. from what i've read, feathers don't usually grow back until the chicken molts so for now i wouldn't be too worried. like i said, i have the same problem but my girls act normal and lay eggs consistently. sorry i can't be of more help.

 

[speckledhen]

If she is bloaty or the abdomen is hard and she is not laying, could be she has egg yolk peritonitis or is laying internally. Unfortunately, the prognosis is grim, though a bare bum by itself can mean she is just in molt.

These threads may be helpful to you.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=362422

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=195347

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ences-on-egg-reproduction-production-necropsy

 

[BuffOrpington88]

You could try worming her. When my chickens got worms, one of them had looser droppings that stuck to the feathers until they pulled off from the weight. This is just something to try.