Neck feathers missing.

[sstractorguy]

Have a Rhode Island Red whose feathers on neck and head are missing. Maybe she was broody and another took it out on her. Any ideas for my 10 chicken flock to protect her? Coop is plenty big enough and inside a 10 x 22’ covered and enclosed run. Chicken is eating and drinking fine and no sign of mites.

 

[azygous]

What is the temperament of this hen?

Is she timid and withdrawn?

Does she appear to be underweight? Feel her breast bone to see how much flesh she has on it.

Do the other hens chase her and peck at her. Does this hen get bullied away from the feeder?

How old is she?

Do you have a rooster that mates her often?

 

[sstractorguy]

What is the temperament of this hen?

Is she timid and withdrawn?

Does she appear to be underweight? Feel her breast bone to see how much flesh she has on it.

Do the other hens chase her and peck at her. Does this hen get bullied away from the feeder?

How old is she?

Do you have a rooster that mates her often?

 

[sstractorguy]

She seems fine but a bit withdrawn. Does not appear underweight at all. Still eating and there appears to be some small feathers growing in. She is just 1 year old in April. No roosters here. Checked again for mites and lice but no sign of either.

 

[WIchickMama]

Could she be molting?

 

[sstractorguy]

Yes but it seems so extreme. And it’s still cold out here in MA.

 

[azygous]

Look at her bare neck closely. Do you see broken feathers in the bare area? Or do you see uniform pin feathers coming in? The first signals feather picking. The second signals molt.

 

[Ebony Rose]

@azygous I like it very much when you proactively ask questions and provide the reason that you ask. It goes a very long way in helping teach people what to look for and why.

 

[sstractorguy]

Look at her bare neck closely. Do you see broken feathers in the bare area? Or do you see uniform pin feathers coming in? The first signals feather picking. The second signals molt.

Thanks for the advice! Very helpful! I think it’s a sign of molting!