Pale comb, losing feathers, less appetite, and more skittish

[Mnocher]

I’ve got a 10 month old exchequer leghorn whose behavior and health has recently changed. She appears to have lost a little weight, eats much less than before (but is still eating regularly), has become much more skittish around us (she runs away any time we enter the run) and she is losing lots of feathers (Long tail feathers as well as shorter, softer feathers). I watched her lose a couple in the last few days just from me holding her or not being touched at all, and her comb has gone from bright red to a much paler red. She had a few black spots on her comb, but they are gone. She also stopped laying eggs about three weeks ago. I live in South Carolina and the temperature has been cold but not below freezing much. She is not lethargic and seems to do her normal thing most of the time.

 

[nuthatched]

Sounds like molting.

 

[Mnocher]

Sounds like molting.

I thought so but wonder if it’s normal for this time of year. The other four girls aren’t doing the same things

 

[nuthatched]

I thought so but wonder if it’s normal for this time of year. The other four girls aren’t doing the same things

Chicken are individuals. Higher protein feed will help her get through it

 

[Mnocher]

Chicken are individuals. Higher protein feed will help her get through it

Thank you so much!