[chasechicken]

Hi all,

We've recently noticed one of our hens has a fairly large bald patch around her bum (see pic)



Unlike previous moults, there aren't feathers everywhere, although I've not seen any evidence of the others pecking her and they all get on well.

But it seems a strange time of year to moult, and it's just the soft down feathers as you can see.

Any advice if it is pecking?  I could get the spray, but with the raw skin exposed like that I'm a bit worried it'll cause her irritation...

[joyfull]

this is a normal time of year for hens to moult. She has no redness so no need to spray her. When hens go broody they lose these feathers so thay can transmit body heat to the eggs and chicks - so perhaps she is broody.

[chasechicken]

Thanks Joyfull - that makes sense; I'll keep an eye on her though...