Why is my chicken losing feathers?

Most feather loss falls into one of three buckets: annual molt, parasites, or pecking. The pattern of loss tells you which.

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1. Annual molt
Once a year (usually fall), hens drop feathers in a predictable pattern starting at the head/neck. Egg laying pauses.
2. Mites or lice
Feather loss with visible pests or dark clumps at feather bases, especially around the vent.
3. Pecking and bullying
Bald patches on the back, near the vent, or wherever others can reach. Often single hen affected.
4. Broody plucking
Hens pluck their own breast feathers to line a nest. Bare belly, will sit on eggs.
5. Roosters mating
Bare backs/shoulders on hens from rooster claws. Use hen saddles if it's bad.
6. Protein deficiency
Too many treats or low-protein feed. Feathers regrow poorly after molt.

Pattern: head-first and symmetric (molt), random with bald spots (bullying), or behind the head/back (rooster damage)?
Part feathers, visible pests or egg clusters?
Bare belly + sitting on nest = broody.
Pin feathers (new feathers in tubes) coming in?
Recent diet changes or lots of treats?

During molt: switch to 20%+ protein feed; offer extra mealworms and scrambled eggs; reduce stress.
For mites: dust with permethrin (see mites guide).
For bullying: separate the victim; identify and rehome or isolate the bully; add visual barriers.
For rooster damage: hen saddles or temporarily separate the rooster.
Stop excess treats and confirm feed is 16-20% protein.

How long does a chicken molt last?

Hard molts last 6-12 weeks. Soft molts (just a few feathers at a time) are barely noticeable.

Will molted feathers grow back?

Yes, new feathers come in as pin feathers within days and fill out over weeks. Just don't handle her roughly while they're growing.