Tail feathers

[mommahen1990]

I'm hoping to get some insight to help my girl. My little nugget who is at the bottom of the picture doesn't have her tail feathers like the rest of my girls. With it starting to get cold here in MD, I didn't know if weather is playing a factor, or if my other chickens are pestering her. Any advise would be so helpful!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @mommahen1990

How old is Nugget?
Did she ever have tail feathers - are you finding evidence in your run/coop that she is losing feathers?

Most likely she is molting, this is when hens lose their feathers so they can grown new ones.

Check her over - look for new feather growth (pin feathers). Also look at her vent to make sure there is no red/raw areas that may indicate that the feathers have been plucked out.

Do your girls get free range time? If they do, they may still find some bugs or worms for extra protein. If they don't, then consider offering extra protein to help through the molt.
Keep us posted.

 

[micstrachan]

I agree it is likely a molt. Feather picking comes to mind, but I don’t think they usually go for the big feathers first?