White patches of breast feathers???

[famousgrouse]

Hello.. New to the chicken game. I have 5 hens of various breeds. All have started laying about a month ago. Since they have started laying, some have also started to develop a patch of lighter/white colored feathers on their breast. About the size of a softball. Just wondering if this is normal or something I should be concerned with? It has been very cold here lately. 0 degrees at night and highs in the teens. They have a nice coop with no drafts and proper ventilation. Hoping I don't have sick birds!!! Any ideas? Thanks

Jeff

 

[Mrs. K]

I am not sure exactly what you are referring to, a picture might help.

But if your girls are alert, active and laying they are not sick. The first thing to go is the laying, and sick, looks sick. Hunched over, lethargic, not moving very much., not eating.....

Not to worry,

MRs K

 

[famousgrouse]

Thanks Mrs. K. I will try and get some photos tomorrow. I guess I wouldn't call the breast feathers "white" but just faded looking. I will post photos. Thanks!