About molting

[Abriana]

By the way I love your new profile picture!!

Thank you! I really like it too.

 

[Mary's Backyard Chickens]

My chickens usually molt for 4 months or so.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

My EE started molting in November (when I started to notice). It is January and she is still in the process of molting. She has laid 2 eggs since starting. They have had softer shells, but the contents were fine. She is over 2 yrs old. From what I have read, they can lay eggs, but the eggs can have irregularities.

 

[lissalischicks]

My girls first most took about 2 to 3 months but some took longer to get back to laying and some still haven't started to lay

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Maybe check out the links in the post ridgerunner posted. @Lauren Kim can you link that thread here? We could ask @Ridgerunner as they are very knowledgeable about chickens. I'm sure they wouldn't mind answering questions about molting.

 

[RodNTN]

Some chickens may regrow their feathers in as a short a time as 3 to 4 weeks. An average is about 6 weeks. But it may take up to 12 weeks. It's different for every chicken

 

[aart]

View attachment 1233891

@Lauren Kim Yes, please, would you provide a link to that post.
Could be there are other posts in that thread that expand on the post you screen shot.

When I read the post, I was also quite confused... how can a chicken be naked for 6 whole months?

They would not 'be naked' for 6 months,
but may well not lay for 6 months surrounding a molt.

 

[Welshies]

@Lauren Kim could you provide a link to that post.
Could be there are other posts in that thread that expand on the post you screen shot.

They would not 'be naked' for 6 months,
but may well not lay for 6 months surrounding a molt.

So is that post correct?
I know pullets and cockerels molt very lightly.
Hens and roosters molt heavier, but I always thought it lasted less than a month... but then I assist with cat kibble and 20% feed during the molt.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

This article states that it can take 8-12 weeks on average, but that some draw it out for 6 months. https://countrysidenetwork.com/daily/poultry/feed-health/when-do-chickens-molt-video/
Also, the links provided in the thread that was screenshot no longer are viable.
I guess like everything chicken - some follow the rules and some don't.
I supplement my chickens with meal worms, boss, and some meat scraps on top of 17% feed. The EE is growing in her feathers beautifully.

 

[staceyj]

While many chickens do not experience a molt (not including replacing feathers as they grow from chicks) until approximately 18 months of age or their 2nd autumn this is not true of all.

All 6 of my girls hatched last February have had significant molts this fall.

The one who wasn't showing any signs waited until her flockmates finished up to begin hers. Now she's very embarrassed.