Molting or disease?

[hawkie95]

My chickens reside in a pole barn at night & during inclement weather. They have run of property otherwise. Currently have 3 RIReds, 2 Silkies, 2 Americanas & 1 Barbed Rock. One of the reds started losing feathers like crazy. She appears normal otherwise. I don't c anything but this is first experience w/this. She looks real shabby. She is @ 1 1/2 yr old. She has patches of skin where u see holes where feathers were. So far none of the others are losing feathers. Read @ molting. Her loss was in an order except she did not lose head feathers. Live in Chicago area so have that weather. Looking for advice or suggestions. If it is molting is anything done to protect exposed skin? Thank you.

 

[sourland]

Are the bare patches filling in with 'quill like' blood feathers?

 

[BantamLover21]

It is probably just molting; despite the cold, it is common in chickens at this time of year. Molting can range in severity from losing a few feathers at a time, to dropping feathers in handfuls. If she seems cold, you could try covering her with something (maybe a hen sweater or saddle?), but otherwise, she'll be fine with no help. Additional protein in the diet, from foods like wet cat food, mealworms, and scrambled eggs, can also help birds grow in their feathers faster, so you could try that.

 

[hawkie95]

Not that I see. Have just patch on back couple days ago.& chest this am.

 

[hawkie95]

My barn is heated but keep it llow because of horses & water. It usually is @ 40 (give or take 2 degrees in either direction). Have started giving mealworms. Will try ur other suggestions. Thank you.