Very stressed laying hen

[Sarah Doss]

Rhea is a Buff Orphanton and is so sweet around me. She is a year old and a regular layer. She was molting on her back when I got her 6 weeks ago. The other initials were mean to her and would get on her back. Now it's rare but she is so afraid of the other hens. She prefers to stay in the coop away from them and I have to get her out of it. I stand next to her while eats, away from the other hens, so she will eat at least twice a day. The feathers on her head and down her neck are falling out. Her skin looks very dry and she has some black specks in her crown. Is this normal brooding? Or does she sound sick?

 

[Abriana]

The black spots on the comb may be fowl pox but don't freak out, it usually just resolves itself, unless in extreme cases. Put the hen in a run for a few days to give her a break and let the other hens settle for a bit. Good luck!