Please help me identify this?

[taralynnc]

Photos of my Barred Rock - approx 9 mos. so should not be molting?
Background: she stopped laying months ago, had a bout of water diarrhea for weeks (may or may not be related). 3 other hens she is with are fine/happy/healthy w no feather loss - she is actually fine/happy/eats well/active, etc. I am at a loss!

 

[Peaches Lee]

It looks like to me she is sticking her head somewhere and the feathers are getting rubbed off. Maybe through a fence? Feed bowl?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Photos of my Barred Rock - approx 9 mos. so should not be molting?
Background: she stopped laying months ago, had a bout of water diarrhea for weeks (may or may not be related). 3 other hens she is with are fine/happy/healthy w no feather loss - she is actually fine/happy/eats well/active, etc. I am at a loss!View attachment 2446788

The birds don't read our books about what they're supposed to do and not supposed to.. and that's definitely molt!

Genetics.. simply don't follow all the "usual" observations.. and honestly I've had MORE bird this age molt than anyone ever suggested was possible.. Keep more birds, see more things! This is especially true of my Jan, Feb.. hatched birds. MANY folks have experienced the what I will refer to as basically a premature molt this year (or taking place before the second fall/winter season).. Including myself.. even though I KNOW my nutrition and other condition ARE spot ON!

Her skin does look quite dry.. maybe don't use DE if you do. Could just be weather related plus skin being exposed causing it??

Stopped laying is due to the molt! Also being in NJ, your days are likely short. Daylight will be increasing after the 21st again.. once her feathers finish growing back in.. she will return to lay but until then that's where her energy will be going. Since I have birds that molt along with younger layers, etc.. I use "flock raiser" with oyster shell on the side.. my birds have less harsh molts since making the switch. Turns out "layer" is the minimum requirements to keep light bodied layers like Leghorn in laying condition. While dual purpose birds like Rocks will do best with at least 18% protein.. Feathers are made from 90% protein and it's amino acids. Plus more micro-nutrients go into the eggs my family consumes.

Those look like pin feathers coming back in to me.. and the skin looks clear.. not red or angry like damage being caused. Rocks are actually some of my favorite gals!

 

[taralynnc]

The birds don't read our books about what they're supposed to do and not supposed to.. and that's definitely molt!

Genetics.. simply don't follow all the "usual" observations.. and honestly I've had MORE bird this age molt than anyone ever suggested was possible.. Keep more birds, see more things! This is especially true of my Jan, Feb.. hatched birds. MANY folks have experienced the what I will refer to as basically a premature molt this year (or taking place before the second fall/winter season).. Including myself.. even though I KNOW my nutrition and other condition ARE spot ON!

Her skin does look quite dry.. maybe don't use DE if you do. Could just be weather related plus skin being exposed causing it??

Stopped laying is due to the molt! Also being in NJ, your days are likely short. Daylight will be increasing after the 21st again.. once her feathers finish growing back in.. she will return to lay but until then that's where her energy will be going. Since I have birds that molt along with younger layers, etc.. I use "flock raiser" with oyster shell on the side.. my birds have less harsh molts since making the switch. Turns out "layer" is the minimum requirements to keep light bodied layers like Leghorn in laying condition. While dual purpose birds like Rocks will do best with at least 18% protein.. Feathers are made from 90% protein and it's amino acids. Plus more micro-nutrients go into the eggs my family consumes.

Those look like pin feathers coming back in to me.. and the skin looks clear.. not red or angry like damage being caused. Rocks are actually some of my favorite gals!

Wow-- this made me feel 100% better - I am a novice and want to ensure I am not missing anything obvious. Like you, I have them on flock raiser with oyster shell on side, have been giving them extra protein treats (tuna, worms, etc.) I've sprinkled DE now and again in the run but not enough to be significant - will discontinue regardless. Thank you, thank you, thank you!