Molting or another problem??...

[ChickieGirl1979]

I have a Rhode Island Red Bantam hen named Reba. She is approximately 37 weeks old. She has been dropping feathers like crazy. I was worried about bullying but no one else is losing feathers. Is she molting or do I need to call my chicken vet?? There are pin feathers coming in where they are falling out with only a few bare places.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It sounds like a molt. Some birds her age will molt. I wouldn't worry unless you are seeing signs of picking like blood.

 

[aart]

Sounds like a molt to me....the pin feathers tell the tale.

 

[ChickieGirl1979]

I was just concerned bc at this time of year when it's cold, I wouldn't think they would molt. There is no blood and I've kept and eye on her. I picked her up yesterday and festhersbwere just falling out.

 

[GingersHuman]

Yep, probably molting.

 

[aart]

I was just concerned bc at this time of year when it's cold, I wouldn't think they would molt. There is no blood and I've kept and eye on her. I picked her up yesterday and festhersbwere just falling out.

Yeah, they don't always do it when it's the best weather.
I had a 9 month old molt in winter a couple years ago....and have a hen molting now.
She'll be fine.
Up her protein levels to help grow out those feathers faster.

 

[ChickieGirl1979]

ThNks for the advice! I went out and got some meal worms (her favorite!!) and some sunflower seeds