Why is this Egger loosing her throat feathers?

[RunChixRun]

Hi everybody,

She is one of 7 pullets in our coop. They are all about 26 weeks old and are all laying. They all seam to be getting along nicely. I dont see any real aggression especially towards this bird. She and the other Easter Egger have been the last hens to feel comfortable around people but now she will let you pick her up and feed from your hand. I first noticed she was loosing feathers on her throat about a week ago and now it's worse. Any ideas? Thanks all.

JB

 

[LaFleche]

She might stick her head through the fence and thus rub off the feathers

or

flock mates might pluck her feathers off, his often starts when mushed food sticks to the bearded areas.

 

[whiteboy]

Molting?