Need help: Hen lost all feathers on her bottom.

[patonbyc]

Hi. I am a relative newby here asking for possible identification and treatment for a barred rock hen that had a dramatic loss of feathers off her bottom over the last 2 days. The remainder 7 of our hens are not experiencing the same symptoms. She walks around gingerly. From a standing position, she will slowly lower herself down almost to the ground and then raise herself back into the standing position.

Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[swamphiker]

It's possible she is just molting. Chickens in the same flock don't always molt at the same time, even if they are similar ages. If this is the case, you can offer her a higher-protein feed to help her through the molt.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I agree. It looks like she's molting. Your other hens should start losing their feathers soon, too.

 

[patonbyc]

It's possible she is just molting. Chickens in the same flock don't always molt at the same time, even if they are similar ages. If this is the case, you can offer her a higher-protein feed to help her through the molt.

Thank you, Swamphiker. Since this post 4 of our 8 hens are going under varying degrees of molting. This first hen lost the most feathers and looks the roughest.

 

[patonbyc]

I agree. It looks like she's molting. Your other hens should start losing their feathers soon, too.

Hi Aunt Angus. You were correct. Other hens in the flock are now in the process of molting. Thanks for the iinput.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Oooh! They are all so pretty after a molt! Your flock will be gorgeous!