Help! What's going on with my Chicken?!

[Mandyk0618]

Hi there, I recently noticed my hen was missing all of her feathers on her lower belly, and she has a rash/broken skin as well.

Any ideas on what might be going on, and what I should do? It's now been like that for a week or so (since I initially discovered it), and it doesn't seem to be getting better. You really can't tell unless you pick her up, so I have no idea when or how it started. I was worried that my other 2 hens might start peeking at her, but I don't see them being aggressive towards her... not yet at least.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

 

[Bobbiejocoop]

Could she possibly be going broody? I know broody hens will pluck their belly feathers. Has she been staying in a nesting box a lot?

 

[Mandyk0618]

Hmm maybe. She is my best egg layer, so she is in there more than the others, but she hasn't been in there that much. Although now that you say that, I was surprised the other day when she was in the nesting box, and I didn't find an egg afterwards. Her temperament is still the same. She's very sweet.

Is there anything I can or should do if that is the case?

 

[Bobbiejocoop]

I don’t have experience with broody hens but let me tag someone who should be able to help!
@HollowOfWisps

 

[Mandyk0618]

Thank you!

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I agree most likely going broody. They will pull out their stomach feathers so that their skin comes in direct contact with the eggs to regulate heat better.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Shouldn't cause a rash, though. Have you checked her thoroughly for lice and mites? Part the feathers around the neck, under the wings, etc.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Looks like typical feather loss from going in/out of nesting boxes and roosting.
Feathers are broken and/or rubbed off.

Do look for lice/mites, she looks quite robust and most all the skin looks healthy, except for a couple of small places toward the backend.

A little NuStock cream on the 2 tiny areas help heal the skin.