Missing Feathers

[iHeartMyHens523]

Hello all!
I have had my 4 hens for a little over a year. This is their second winter together. However, the alpha hen (Voldemort, a Black Star)
is missing feathers around her head, neck, and back/belly. This worries me because it is winter in Maine. I am not sure I she is suddenly being picked on, or how to stop that, or if it is a disease. I have separated her until I discover the problem... Thanks!

 

[willowbranchfarm]

She could be molting. I would also check for mites or lice.

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

Hello all!
I have had my 4 hens for a little over a year. This is their second winter together. However, the alpha hen (Voldemort, a Black Star)
is missing feathers around her head, neck, and back/belly. This worries me because it is winter in Maine. I am not sure I she is suddenly being picked on, or how to stop that, or if it is a disease. I have separated her until I discover the problem... Thanks!

Do they look pecked out? Any feathers lying around with blood on them?

 

[iHeartMyHens523]

No, there is no blood, but her feathers were scattered across their entire run and she looks shaken. Where the feathers are missing there is the little hard ends of the feathers sticking out... they look like mini porcupine quills sticking out, about half an inch long. It may be molting, but I want to make sure...

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Those sound like the pin feathers. The new feathers coming in.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

Those sound like the pin feathers. The new feathers coming in.

x2 sounds like molting. The hard pin feathers are the new ones coming through. They usually don't feel very good during this process.

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Here is a picture of what pin feathers look like. This is a hard molt so not all moots look this bad.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

great pic!

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Thanks but its not mine.