1st Round of Moulting, What can I expect this fall?

[eggdogg]

My ladies have made it through a full cycle of seasons, a friend told me they are going to moult this fall. What can I expect and what do I have to do to keep them healthy through this transformation. Any advice would help!

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
They'll take care of the molting on their own. An increase in protein can help because growing new feathers is a protein-intensive activity.

 

[eggdogg]

Thanks, ADozenGirlz, I will increase their protein treats. What are signs that they are going through the process? When does it usually start? We live at 8200ft in the Rocky Mountains and we have had some frosty mornings already.

 

[TheNewMrsEvans]

Your egg numbers will fall off for a while. Give them turkey grower mixed with their layer food to help them get through the molt quickly. You will see so many feathers in the coop you'll think there was a pillow fight...

 

[3chimama]

My moulting girls look like they were at a bar all night ;D

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

Quote:

good way to put it

 

[Happy Chooks]

First you will see a decline in egg production. Then when they really get going in their molt, they will quit laying. Look around their faces, that's where I notice the feather loss first - they get the buzzard look. Then it will look like a pillow exploded in your yard and you will think a predator got one. Until you count everybody and they are all there. Give them extra protein, it will help them regrow their feathers. Mine that molted last year took 3 1/2 months before they began laying again.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Mine seem like they've been molting FOREVER, but egg production hasn't declined at all (that's the good news). The bad news is that they look like they've been through the plucker!
Phoebe. Poor Phoebe.

Agnes (RIP girl):

Other molting victims:

 

[eggdogg]

Thanks everyone, that helps alot, they have really started to drop thier feathers, and the egg production has slowed.

I feel better prepared for this event now.

Thanks again.