NOT broody and has bare patch on her belly...possible causes?

[lowry075]

Hi, I tried searching for this under old posts but all responses seemed for broodies. My hen isn't displaying broody behavior at all and she has been missing belly feathers for a few months. I had thought she was molting, but she seems fully feathered everywhere else. What would be some other reasons for this bald area?

 

[lowry075]

Insert sound of crickets here...anyone?

 

[nurse_turtle]

Does she roost over night or sleep on the floor of her coop/ground, etc? Also, have you searched her closely for mites/lice. You'll need to examine the feather shafts closest to the skin to find egg clusters and/or adult lice.

 

[lowry075]

Thank you, I will check her out. She roosts up on a beam. Wouldn't the other hens have this issue as well though?