Hens that molt their feathers all at once are more desirable (if you want to hatch) than hens that take weeks, months to drop their feathers. I'd separate your naked hen and give her a bit of ground up dog food or scrambled egg to help her grow her feathers back. I'd put a band on her so you know which hen to hatch from if you decide to hatch eggs. Cathryn
Within the last few days, I have a Buff Orp that has lost almost all of her feathers. Since I have 2 roosters (for my almost 50 hens) I do see feather loss from their attention, but this is more than usual & seems extreme.
The feather loss is all up & down her back, her rear & on wings. I've noticed the other hens are now pecking at her. Her eyes seem to be slightly shut, & her feathers (what she has left) seem a bit ruffled. She is just a bit slower than usual. Where her feathers are gone, I just see the shaft (what I would call the pinfeathers when you scald them).
Could anyone give me some input on this, please?
As I mentioned, there is a certain amount of feather loss on about half of my hens, mostly on the upper back, due to the roosters. As well, a few others have been losing tail feathers which I've attributed to molting, but nothing like my poor B Orp. Winter is fast approaching & she won't have much protection, if she lasts that long.
Beth
Americana Acres Turner, OR
Specializing in naturally raised heritage breeds
CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com
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