Neck down to belly bald!!

[amberrenee]

What does this look like?? Normal? My broody girl pulled hers out but I noticed the other ladies have bald bellies.. not bloated.. they're a year old almost. All orpingtons. I noticed while bandaging her foot it was bald up to her neck. I noticed gray feathers in nesting box but my chocolate is the broody. The only one in nest. Only place I've noticed feathers... few big ones here and there.

I didn't see any sign of mites. They don't itch or have any residue. Or shake? I don't think she's overweight? They're English orpingtons.

Also they recently went from free range to a big run we build because of hawks...could that have anything to do with it? It's been maybe 2-3 weeks ago.

It's red because she was talking a warm bath to cure her bumblefoot. I can't find any sign of bugs. It's from her neck down... one is broody like this. But she is not broody. Could it be I changed from later feed to grower temporarily while I had the younger pullet??

Help! Photos are all the same day. She looks healthy and happy but under neath her neck and belly is that!!!

 

[m1marin]

Our BSL (my avatar) has the exact same bald spot. I figured it was just the breed. I would be interested to hear what others think about this too.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have a few hens that have some bald spots on their bellies as well. Hopefully others will chime in. I believe they are plucking feathers to line nests, feathers can also be rubbed off when laying eggs (getting in/out of boxes) and while roosting.

Lice/mite infestation would not cause that kind of bald spots, the skin looks good. Watch to see if any other hens are plucking neck feathers while roosting, but I think it just normal "wear"

 

[amberrenee]

I'm glad to hear it! I didn't really notice before but they seem happy and healthy! I am very curious to hear what people think as well! Thank you! I only have orpingtons and they're just 1 year old so I have nothing to compare it to.