Sad feathers and a bald spot

[rumblebug00]

Hi there! I don't post much but I'm not finding exactly what I need by searching the forums...so here goes. I have four hens who are just over a year old. Laying fantastic. Three of the hens are healthy as all get out and laying wonderfully. The fourth hen named Chicky-Chick (Buff Orpington) has been looking very haggard as of late. It started with a little bald patch on the front of her neck...it varies on how irritated it looks (red, not red, sometimes new growth, sometimes totally irritated). And not her feathers are looking split and super sad. I'm worried about her for sure. She seems as sprite as ever, she's still laying...so I thought she'd eventually shake whatever it is off. But now the last week it's worsened. There are no mites, worms, or anything creepy like that as far as I can tell. Any ideas what it could be?

I don't notice the other chickens picking directly on her but it could happen when I'm out and about for sure. I've separated her for the last two nights but she only seems sad and lonely not any better. Thanks for any help.

 

[binza1979]

Is she molting?

 

[rumblebug00]

I don't think she is...but maybe. This bald spot has been around too long though. Will stress induce molting? How long does it last? Smash like it's been going on too long for molting. And she's still laying, do they lay through molt?

 

[5th lake chick]

I am going thru the same type of things with my hens, the only diffence is that I started noticing my rooster was pale and not so perk, but is not losing feathers, he just looks dirty. I have not seen any mites, But that is definitely what is wrong with them after doing some research.