Molting? Or something else

[RosyChickens]

This is foxy, a 1 year old golden sex link, a star egg layer, queen of the free range flock of 5 mixed birds, in Oregon. Her favorite food is worms, and she will greet your car when you pull in. About a week ago I noticed a bald spot on her neck, it’s on both sides in the same place, I didn’t see any damage or pests… but not really sure what I would be looking for. Do you think it’s just the start of a molt, or something else.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would say it may be a start of molting since her feathers on her back and sides are looking a bit frazzled. Is she close to 16-18 months old? During molting they lose feathers around the coop and run, may be more distant, eat less, rest more, and stop laying eggs. The time varies, but it usually lasts about a month or two.

 

[RosyChickens]

I would say it may be a start of molting since her feathers on her back and sides are looking a bit frazzled. Is she close to 16-18 months old? During molting they lose feathers around the coop and run, may be more distant, eat less, rest more, and stop laying eggs. The time varies, but it usually lasts about a month or two.

Yup she is right about 15 months, that’sa relief she’s my gardening buddy