Plymouth Rock losing feathers around neck - what does this mean?

[eggswithlegs11]

Hi, I've noticed that my Plymouth rock is losing feathers around her neck. I searched up chicken bullying (as there are two other hens that live with her) and I saw that it typically meant pulling tail feathers out first. Because it was her neck feathers going, and she still has all her tail feathers, I thought it might not be bullying, but she might be scratching too hard around her neck. Is this common? Any way I can help her out? She's only a couple of years old, and I have never seen the other hens bully her.

 

[drewpyd85]

following

 

[chickens really]

Is she molting or are they pecking her at night on the Roost?. Do you have a Rooster?

 

[eggswithlegs11]

I don't have a rooster. I'm not sure what chicken malting really looks like. I can see her pink skin, is that supposed to happen?

 

[chickens really]

I don't have a rooster. I'm not sure what chicken malting really looks like. I can see her pink skin, is that supposed to happen?

Yes..They can get pretty bald looking when they molt. Generally they stop laying eggs too till after the molt.

 

[eggswithlegs11]

Thanks! How long does malting take? I'm just wondering, if it goes on for much longer should I be worried?

 

[RichardTheRooster]

all chickens go at their own pace for molting. Just wait and see she should he fine the first molt is pretty scary for a new chicken owner.

 

[aart]

She's only a couple of years old,

Is she about 18 months old?
Typical time for the first full adult molt.
You should see new pin feathers emerging soon.
Molt can take a couple months or more, all birds molt at different rates.
Offering extra protein, especially animal protein, can help them grow new feathers.