19 month old BO won't molt?

[Aunt Angus]

Any thoughts as to why my 19 month old BO hasn't even begun dropping feathers? She looks raggedy. Her hatch-mates all molted and are gorgeous. No change in diet or behavior. She lays about 6x per week. Not getting picked on or over-mated.

Thoughts?

 

[Sequel]

I don’t know but I’m curious!

 

[Aunt Angus]

I am only concerned because it's been rainy, and some of her feathers are so worn out, she gets soaked even in light rain.

 

[anno1]

I have to admit, I have never had a chicken molt--ever. Once or twice one or two lost a few feathers. I have never figured out why, although my other chickens (I moved two years ago and got new chickens last year, but had them for 6-8 years previously) free-ranged most of the time, and I have always fed a high-end organic food, with lots of good treats, including mealworms. Plenty of protein. Not sure if that's the reason.

 

[Folly's place]

Some birds molt all at one time, and look awful for a while. Others molt very gradually, a few feathers here and there, and aren't obvious about it. Genetics, diet, and lighting all play a role in who does what out there.
Mary

 

[Aunt Angus]

Thanks for the replies. Maybe she's just way off "schedule" for some reason. My glock gets fermented organic feed, and they free range most of the day. And I don't use supplemental light at all. Idk. I guess I'll just watch and wait.

 

[Aunt Angus]

On second thought... Maybe she's waiting until summer so she doesn't have to wear that down parka of hers when it's triple digits outside!