Odd feather loss

[Norma_Lorp]

Hi all- I just went to close up the coop and noticed one of my hens has a bare spot on her bottom. Feathers everywhere in coop and in the run . The fluffy down feathers and also some big ones that seem like they’d be tough to pull out. She shares the area with two others that she grew up with and they don’t quarrel, never any bickering. No commotion heard today also. And not sign of an intruder - no blood. Wondering what the heck is going on. She seems healthy and spunky as usual. Is it molting? I would say molting but the silver dollar sized area on bottom that’s missing is very concerning to me. Ugh.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

How old is she? Could be molting or something pulled feathers out would be my two guesses.

 

[Norma_Lorp]

How old is she? Could be molting or something pulled feathers out would be my two guesses.

She will be 2 in March as well as her sisters

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

My guess would be a molt. I'm seeing more hard molts this year with birds just dropping large quantities of feathers in a short span of time. I would definitely watch for any feather picking, and make sure they are getting enough protein in their diet.

If you are feeding a layer ration I recommend switching this time of year to a starter, grower, all flock, or feather fixer type of ration with 18-22% protein. A separate bowl of oyster shells will provide any extra calcium they may need.

 

[Norma_Lorp]

My guess would be a molt. I'm seeing more hard molts this year with birds just dropping large quantities of feathers in a short span of time. I would definitely watch for any feather picking, and make sure they are getting enough protein in their diet.

If you are feeding a layer ration I recommend switching this time of year to a starter, grower, all flock, or feather fixer type of ration with 18-22% protein. A separate bowl of oyster shells will provide any extra calcium they may need.

Thank you. I have oyster shells and will give to them tomorrow. Saw the feather fixer feed at tractor supply recently and will buy that too - why not. Right now they eat egg layer Flock Party and Purina grains and mealworms. Maybe I’ll get the same brand in starter. They are picky with their feed!!