What is wrong with this chicken?

[neversaychick]

She is one of eight Rhode Island Reds and is the only one that looks like this. She is about 1 1/2 years old and the whole lot seem to get along fine. No pecking each other. They are free ranged most days and locked up at night.

 

[chicmom]

I think she is molting. The decreased daylight hours trigger this condition. They lose all their feathers, and grow in new ones. Some have a more gradual molt, so it's not as noticeable, but some, like this one, look pretty naked! Nothing to worry about.

 

[Imp]

That looks like the worse case of molting, I have ever seen. Looks like a lot of new feathers are coming in.

Imp

 

[Desert Rooster]

feed her lots of protein , she will need it while she goes though her molt

 

[downstownlady]

Well I don't know what the feathering condition is but the look on her face say "Dude, this just ain't no way to treat a lady! "

 

[Desert Rooster]

 

[neversaychick]

Thanks for the responses! We've been worried about her! What would you suggest to add to the layer pellets for more protein?

 

[DTchickens]

Could be molt, could be setting or about to? I have noticed a hen drop feathers on her belly when setting..

-Daniel

 

[TriciaHowe]

Dry cat food is good for upping the protein.

Love the picture....don't think she was loving it though!

 

[True Grit]

Mealworms maybe? Yogurt, mealworms and BOSS. Yum