Worse than just molting--Balding!

[mojerky]

She used to be my prettiest hen and now she's literally BALDING! I've been raising chicken for over 10 years and never seen this before. The hen acts normal (not sick), but I'm concerned.

 

[mojerky]

Help!
My chicken has a severe loss of feathers mostly on her head and neck.
Any ideas?
Wendy

 

[DukesDucks]

This can be the result of mating behaviour. Is that possible?

 

[CrazyChicken360]

Do you think she’s being bullied? Where are the feathers missing, and do you have a rooster?

 

[mojerky]

Do you think she’s being bullied? Where are the feathers missing, and do you have a rooster?

I don't have a rooster and I haven't seen any bullying. She is one of my older, "established" hens. She is molting right now, but her feathers on face and neck are almost gone. She used to be my prettiest hen!

 

[CrazyChicken360]

Do you happen to have a photo?

 

[Eggcessive]

She is molting. Make sure that she is eating and give her some scrambled egg or tuna for a treat. Hopefully those feathers will continue to grown back in soon.

 

[mojerky]

Do you happen to have a photo?

I thought I posted one...Hmmm... give me a minute

 

[CrazyChicken360]

I think it might just be molting, new feathers will start to grow in soon!

 

[dawg53]

It's molt. I have several that are almost completely naked. Pitiful looking birds.