[Lorie]

We have 13 hens ...6 black rocks....7 rhode islands....we have recently noticed that 3 of the black rocks are loosing their feathers from beneath themselves almost to the point of baldness....they are all in good health and eating and laying well.

We have recently discovered red mite and have bee treating it accordingly but are struggling to win the battle,but that aside are the mites the reason for feather loss if so why are the other hens unaffected...sorry to go on...thank you...Lorie X

[joyfull]

it could be or if they are stressed they could have gone into a partial moult or even if they have become broody.

[sarah f]

all 3 of my silkies are moulting at the moment looks like theres been  a pillow fight in the coop with the amount of feathers in there,
my serama is looking pretty oven ready too at the moment  

[grumpydad]

the moult has started here as well, enough feathers off big sal to stuff a duvet.

[ehs284]

Ours are moulting now - seems early, but more sensible than the usual midwinter. Our Blackrocks tend to loose feathers first on their rear ends so you have to watch for them being pecked (see stickies/search). The others (bantams various and ISAs) loose from all over.