Advice needed. Why doesn't my chicken moult?

[cat]

I have an ISA Brown hen, she is about 3 years old and has never moulted. I bought her as a pullet and I KNOW she has never moulted, not even a neck moult.

The problem is her feathers are now so scruffy and sparse she looks a real mess and her head and tail are almost bald. However she is fit and active and lays nearly every day.

I have 10 other chickens, all of whom moult. They are all in great condition, are fed on layers pellets and some scratch feed, plus they free range from 8am to 8pm.

I have had no illness problems, no mites, fleas etc and they are all wormed. I have never observed any feather pecking etc.

My questions are,

1: Is this normal for this breed of chicken?

2: Is she just too old to moult?

3: Is there any way to bring her into moult?

I would apreciate any help with this. I posted about her some time ago and was told she probably looked scruffy because she was about to moult, unfortunately she didn't.

If no one can help does anyone have a knitting pattern for a chicken sweater as I think she might be needing one this winter

 

[Judy]

Isa Browns aren't really a breed, they are a cross between RIR and RIW. Since moulting stops egg laying and since these hatchery birds have been bred to lay a lot, my guess is that this is just her genetics.

You can do a forced moult. It is something commercial egg producers do, to improve the laying after the moult. You can do a Google search or read up on it in Wikipedia. It involves withholding most or all food for up to two weeks, as well as reducing light, to stress them into a moult. You probably don't like that idea any better than I would....

How about a nice chicken saddle for a sweater? You were probably kidding, but what the heck.... Here's an easy way to make one:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=167

 

[cat]

Thank you so much for your advice, I really apreciate it.

I think the saddle is a brilliant idea and I am going to get some nice soft material and make her a coat. I might make a few so she can have a summer and winter wardrobe!