Are hens supposed to lose their feathers?

Hens molt, which means they naturally lose their feathers and grow new ones. Molting usually happens once a year in the fall, but some hens may molt more frequently. During molting, hens may appear patchy and their feathers may look ragged. This is normal and does not indicate a health problem. However, if a hen is losing feathers rapidly or if the skin under the feathers appears red or irritated, it is important to take her to a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health conditions.