. We are new to keeping chickens having only collected our 4 girls (2 Bluebells and 2 Isa Browns) 3 weeks ago.They settled in brilliantly, it was a bit disconcerting as they sorted out the pecking order, but by day two it was if they’d always been together – and we got 2 eggs!
However, this past Saturday I went to let them out as usual, and down came Henrietta with loads of feathers missing, looking like a burst pillow. I was distraught, at first I thought the others had ganged up on her, but she had no wounds and they were getting along just as they always do, there was nothing wrong with her appetite and she did her usual trick of looking me in the eye as she kicked the neat pile of dirty bedding (that I’d swept ready to dispose of) back into the henhouse behind her. So then my imagination went into overdrive and I convinced myself that she probably wouldn’t survive, particularly as it was so cold.
Then I discovered this forum. I’d read that chickens moult, but not that it could happen in sub zero temperatures and so spectacularly! I now know different and you’ve saved my sanity and my future in chicken keeping.
Henrietta is fine, her sisters (Eva Diva, Rosie and Flo) cuddle up with her at night so she’s nice and warm, and she’s really enjoying the meal worms (so are the others – their motto seems to be all for one, and one for all). I know that there will be many crisis occurring in our future, but it’s so comforting to know that there are so many likeminded and experienced chicken people out there willing to offer advice to us novices.
Thank you, thank you, thank you
Try to give her a little extra protein, that will help with the feather regrowth, Poultry Spice is supposed to be helpful when moulting too. It won't be long until she's got her frilly knickers back and looking gorgeous again 
