[caroline or]

Hi
I have 5 hybrid girls which I have had for 17 months.2 of the 5 have quite bald bellys.I have checked them for bugs which they do not have.
Could they be in moult, there are some feathers in the run?
They are all eating drinking as normal and laying.
They have not moulted before.
Any ideas would be gratefully received.

[Roughlee Handled]

Broodies will loose feathers on there tummy to help with heat transfer to the egg.  I would be very surprised if you have had them for 17 months with out a moult. Chickens will normally go through several partial moults and one full moult a year.
Is the skin in the  bald area red?

[caroline or]

Hi thanks for the reply.
The skin looks normal pink and healthy ,they have not had a full moult .
I have not seen feather in the run before.
?

[caroline or]

oh I also meant to say one of the two was broody last summer but this summer so far has not been.
Thanks again.