Molting or feather picking?

[SC-ChickMom]

My Brahma has just showed up with this spot. It does not appear to have any bleeding associated with it and it does not appear she is being picked on. She is only 10 weeks. Can they molt at this age? Thanks.

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Because of the scabbing, I would guess that she is not molting. (but of course, I could be wrong) Have you checked for bugs?

 

[SC-ChickMom]

I don't see any bugs.

 

[Yay Chicks!]

I don't see any bugs.

10 weeks is too young for a full molt, however, they will have some "mini-molts" as they are growing. That being said, I would still point to the scabbing as evidence that there is probably something else going on.

You might go out into the coop after dark, with a flash light, and see if you can see some fast moving mites.