Do chickens molt in the winter (cold/wet) weather?

[Trevorusn]

It backs onto our chain link fence so they can’t get in back there....I hope

If you question it, replace it. Weasels and mink only need a crack to do their dirty work. Hardware cloth is by far the best way to go, and peace of mind is priceless.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If you question it, replace it. Weasels and mink only need a crack to do their dirty work. Hardware cloth is by far the best way to go, and peace of mind is priceless.

It sure makes for better sleep patterns. (ours, I mean)

 

[aart]

Sorry, correction, there is no lattice on the back, just chicken wire.

Looks like HC all around.

 

[Reschimnee]

If you question it, replace it. Weasels and mink only need a crack to do their dirty work. Hardware cloth is by far the best way to go, and peace of mind is priceless.

Good to know. Didn’t think about them. Thank you.

 

[Trevorusn]

Good to know. Didn’t think about them. Thank you.

That is what this forum is here for

 

[NDchickenlady]

I have 4 chickens, and they have all been very happy and laying every day. Now I’m only getting 3 a day and I noticed one chicken is losing feather on her head and neck and has an odd smell. No bugs that I’ve seen, no scabs or indication of the others pecking at her. We’ve recently had colder weather and I keep the coop maintained. All suggestions would be appreciated.

My Rhode Island red is also molting!

 

[TwoCrows]

I used to have a hen that would begin her molt every year on Christmas day for 7 years of her life, like clockwork. Mid January when lows were dipping into the negative temps, she was no doubt super cold, but she did ok!

 

[featherhead007]

Yes they do mmmm molt in winter. And I can bet, my ladies are cccc cold too!

 

[birdfreak1831]

Yikes! ...er...YES!
Chickens do molt in winter.
My smartest one in this regard is the rooster. He molts in August every year like clockwork. In the proper feather order too.
Next are three hens in fall. So far so good.
But here comes my bizarre one, never had or heard of one like her.
She did a complete molt in October 2019, all in nice order again according to my smart books.
In the middle of December 2019, less than two months later, she appeared totally naked, had dropped ALL of her new feathers over night. No, she had no stress and is well cared for.
Not sick either, her perky self. She did hang out for most of the last few weeks inside on very heavy bedding and on a chicken heating pad [lukewarm to human touch].
The coop and attached front room are heavily insulated and enclosed all around. Yes, I worried for her but would not have needed to.
Within days the pinfeathers started growing and my little hen looked like a pincushion for a couple of weeks. Now [Jan. 9, 2020] she has all those feathers back, just a bit short yet. But she is fully covered.

Only question I have is WHY two molts in a row?
Has anyone else had a chicken doing this?
Just curious....

 

[TwoCrows]

Yikes! ...er...YES!
Chickens do molt in winter.
My smartest one in this regard is the rooster. He molts in August every year like clockwork. In the proper feather order too.
Next are three hens in fall. So far so good.
But here comes my bizarre one, never had or heard of one like her.
She did a complete molt in October 2019, all in nice order again according to my smart books.
In the middle of December 2019, less than two months later, she appeared totally naked, had dropped ALL of her new feathers over night. No, she had no stress and is well cared for.
Not sick either, her perky self. She did hang out for most of the last few weeks inside on very heavy bedding and on a chicken heating pad [lukewarm to human touch].
The coop and attached front room are heavily insulated and enclosed all around. Yes, I worried for her but would not have needed to.
Within days the pinfeathers started growing and my little hen looked like a pincushion for a couple of weeks. Now [Jan. 9, 2020] she has all those feathers back, just a bit short yet. But she is fully covered.

Only question I have is WHY two molts in a row?
Has anyone else had a chicken doing this?
Just curious....

I have had chickens and parrots molt, then remolt. I am not sure why, there could be a glitch somewhere in the hormonal response but this seemed to occur in older birds.