Help-Chicken losing feathers in winter

[lorenlouise08]

hello. My Rhode Island Red, who is approximately 2 years old, Is losing her feathers. I haven’t noticed any other hens attacking her, in fact she’s usually been a dominant one. She eats later pellets and has fresh water. She is the only chicken who looks like this. Her behavior seems fine, I haven’t been able to observe her poop. Some of the skin is completely bare, some are growing new feathers. It almost looks like she’s molting in winter? She is shaking occasionally from the cold, the others are fine. We do not have heat in the coop, it hasn’t been an issue. Any suggestions?

 

[rjohns39]

She's definitely molting. If you can get a small bag of grower add it to the coop in a separate dish and see if she'll go for it. She's going to need more protein in these cold temps, but not sure where you're at. If you can't get a grower or higher protein feed for the near term, add a fatty fish like canned pink salmon, mackerel or tuna in oil. I prefer salmon. And if you want, add some boiled or scrambled eggs. They are low protein but have a perfect balance of amino acids to help her absorb extra nutrients.

Oh and
Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

She appears to be molting. For some reason this season I have seen later molts than usual, a few of mine are still working on theirs. I provide no heat either. They look cold but are doing okay. Keep your chickens protein content up to help her grow feathers faster.

 

[lorenlouise08]

Thank you! I’m glad I posted for tbr reassurance , I was really afraid something was wrong with her. I will definitely give her some protein. I’m assuming it won’t hurt if the other chickens get some of it too? I’ll try to give it to just her, I can lock her in the coop (I have an attached run, but the house has a fenced area under it). That’ll work! Thanks so much!!!

 

[rjohns39]

Thank you! I’m glad I posted for tbr reassurance , I was really afraid something was wrong with her. I will definitely give her some protein. I’m assuming it won’t hurt if the other chickens get some of it too? I’ll try to give it to just her, I can lock her in the coop (I have an attached run, but the house has a fenced area under it). That’ll work! Thanks so much!!!

extra protein won't hurt the others. So let them think their queen gave them something special.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Agreeing it molt, pin feathers are in. Yes, extra protein would be good for her, I feed Flock Raiser (20%) to chicks (6-8wks) & adults. Put out a dish of Oyster Shells for the hens, they'll eat as they need. Mealworms, scrambled eggs, tuna, BOSS, a few examples.

 

[pennyJo1960]

View attachment 1235325 View attachment 1235319 View attachment 1235254 hello. My Rhode Island Red, who is approximately 2 years old, Is losing her feathers. I haven’t noticed any other hens attacking her, in fact she’s usually been a dominant one. She eats later pellets and has fresh water. She is the only chicken who looks like this. Her behavior seems fine, I haven’t been able to observe her poop. Some of the skin is completely bare, some are growing new feathers. It almost looks like she’s molting in winter? She is shaking occasionally from the cold, the others are fine. We do not have heat in the coop, it hasn’t been an issue. Any suggestions?

I agree plain old molting poor girls.. some have a harder time than others ... if it isnt pecking are there sores she is moulting hard