January Molt ??

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Mygirls615]

The only thing my husband noticed today was her comb and waddle aren't as deep bright red as they were....... is that part of molting also?

 

[Birdrain92]

The only thing my husband noticed today was her comb and waddle aren't as deep bright red as they were....... is that part of molting also?

I don't remember if my hens would loose a bit of color in their combs or wattles. I can see it being a possibility. I know that the comb and wattle won't be as red when the hen stops laying, on average hens stop laying when they are about 3-5 years depending on breed and other factors.

 

[Mygirls615]

hmmmmm well I know during molting they won't lay which with what your saying would make it true if not laying color may shift....interesting out of 8 hens I am getting 2- 4 eggs a day yesterday only 1 but I know this isn't unusual for this time of year and I am using no additional light. It is snowing like crazy here, I just went out to lock them in for night and the only one in the coop roosting was my bardrock the one loosing feathers, I had to coax the others inside silly girls!!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

The only thing my husband noticed today was her comb and waddle aren't as deep bright red as they were....... is that part of molting also?

Yes - when a hen is not in producitno (ie molting - or when broody, etc) her comb and wattles will often lose color and luster....this is why comb/wattle color and condition are among the points to consider when assessing a group of hens for who is/isn't in production.

 

[N F C]

This article in the Learning Center gives a lot of good information about molting:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/what-happens-when-chickens-molt

My girl's combs & wattles got pale while they were going through it. Those will get redder the closer they are to laying again.

 

[Mygirls615]

THANK YOU very much I have been heart broken thinking she is getting picked on and I am missing it somehow! Told my husband I was bringing her in the house lol .....makes me feel better to hear what you all say the coloring, look of new feathers, etc...we knew she wasnot laying I know who's eggs are whos lol Just none of our hens molted being so young guess this one wanted to anyway on her terms!! You are all so helpful ! Thanks for making this momma feel better

 

[Birdrain92]

THANK YOU very much I have been heart broken thinking she is getting picked on and I am missing it somehow! Told my husband I was bringing her in the house lol .....makes me feel better to hear what you all say the coloring, look of new feathers, etc...we knew she wasnot laying I know who's eggs are whos lol Just none of our hens molted being so young guess this one wanted to anyway on her terms!! You are all so helpful ! Thanks for making this momma feel better

Your welcome!

 

[NickyKnack]

Hello!

Welcome to BYC and the coop! There's a lot of great peeps here! Feel free to ask lots of questions. But most of all, make yourself at home. I'm so glad you decided to joined the BYC family. I look forward to seeing you around BYC.

 

[Chicken Egg 17]

I have that same thing happening to my Rhode Island Red hen she is loosing feathers in around her neck and I know no one is pulling out feathers out of her she is the second highest chicken in the pecking order