Molting or picking??

[MomvdH]

We are a bit worried. Does this look like she is being pecked in the neck, or molting? We are new to chickens (10 months) , and only had experience with one obvious molt. This is our 6 month old Buff Orpington. At first we assumed she was getting pecked, but the patch is growing. So far no blood. And she is acting normal. Either way, do we need to do anything to protect her?

 

[Debbie292d]

Molting does generally start at the head or neck. I do see what you mean about some pin feathers growing back. I would watch that carefully and as long as you don't see the new growth disturbed, you can rack this up to molting. Otherwise, you'll know you've got a pecking issue.