Moulting? Or something else?

[csummer8882]

I have 6 hens, all 7 months old, all are laying. I noticed yesterday, one is missing feathers on her neck and all you can see is the quill looking things. Her comb is a bit pale and her tail isn't as high as normal. She is eating and drinking normally, clucking away. Is she too young to moult? Any other ideas? Thanks!

 

[Chick1043]

bump

 

[CMV]

Chickens constantly lose and regrow feathers. Your bird is likely just going through a mini-molt. She is trading in her juvenile feathers for her adult plumage. You can check her for bugs if you feel it is necessary, but a molt is not out of the realm of possibility given her age.

Good luck.

 

[csummer8882]

Thank you! I actually checked her today and didn't see anything. Her tail was a bit higher today and she was loving treats so I guess I will just watch and see. Thank you!

 

[Happy Chooks]

I have a few 9 month olds molting right now, so not too young. Here's a hard molt of a 3 year old hen:

 

[TechnoCat]

Quote:

Oh... oh my...

 

[Chicken_Pauper]

Whoa... haven't seen that yet. Amazing.

I have noticed that mine that are molting now, they are really cranky, acting uncomfortable and like they have PMS!