Do chickens molt this time of year?

[micstrachan]

My three molting pullets. It’s mostly on their heads and necks. At least for now!

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

That is normal. They often segregate when they moult, I think they feel vulnerable. My Anconas were top of the flock ... except when they were moulting, then they didn't bother the other hens at all and stayed away from them during the day ... until they were done moulting. Then the made sure to "tell" the other girls "I'M BAAAAACK" and exerted their dominance.

I had the same thing happen. When the matron of the flock molted she stayed off by herself, even on the roost. Now she's back to normal. I'm so glad this one that's molting now decided to snuggle on the roost rather than segregate herself.

Still can't get over the idea of molting this time of year. I thought animals instinctively do things that ensure their survival. This seems to do the opposite.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Oh they do seem to be so uncomfortable. Usually mine do somewhat isolate themselves during the day, but come roosting time, a normally grumpy hen that doesn't like anyone sleeping next to her seems to welcome someone on each side of her! My BR take forever to molt, so my fluffiest pullets were welcome to snuggle on the top roost her ( the top hen) while she was molting - now that she is feathered in, they are not quite so welcome-LOL

I do keep careful watch on molters during cold weather - it's not to say that you can't do extra for them and take steps to make them more comfortable, but usually it's best to leave them with the flock. If you notice your girl becomes lethargic, stops eating/drinking etc., that's a signal to intervene.

 

[micstrachan]

Crazy, right?! I’m still only in my second year of chicken keeping, but there is an obvious trend. ALL my molters feel like crap, lose weight, and are a bit stand-off ish.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Crazy, right?! I’m still only in my second year of chicken keeping, but there is an obvious trend. ALL my momters feel like crap, lose weight, and are a bit stand-off ish.

You nailed it Michelle! That's the way most of my hard molters act. They look so miserable and woeful a country song ought to be written about them

Now, a few that have what I call a "soft molt" seem to fare much better - usually the neck and tail feathers are replaced (at least for me).

But...pullets and older flock members must beware! Top hens that have a hard molt will take their rightful place back when they are finished molting - LOL My BR didn't have to battle too much, she just has attitude, but her taking top spot again disrupted the pullet pecking order - they were mixing it up for a few days out there - no blood drawn, but some impressive posturing, screeching and flying. Now everybody is settled and playing nice nice

 

[micstrachan]

. They look so miserable and woeful a country song ought to be written about them

Woeful a country song! Haha! Love it! I bet one exists! If not, I oughtta have my brother write one. He’s more of a grunge/rock artist but super talented and might be game!

 

[micstrachan]

Oh, and Bridgey, my Barred Rock who may be FINALLY coming out of the world’s longest molt, is definitely back on her game and asserting herself. She booted Cashew (BO pullet) off that steering wheel roost and only allows Margo up there near her.

 

[bruceha2000]

Still can't get over the idea of molting this time of year. I thought animals instinctively do things that ensure their survival. This seems to do the opposite.

Or ... since they DO survive and at least in my experience with no ill effects, perhaps they aren't doing anything against their survival

... lose weight ....

Do you weigh your chickens before, during and after moult? If not I bet they don't lose an ounce. Some can look big with their feathers, especially when "poofed" to trap air and skinny without their feathers. My oldest EE is a hard moulter, scrawny as heck when she is mid moult. Just like an Angora cat I had, she was pretty big looking with all that long fur but weighed about 6 pounds. Looked like a rat when she was soaked during a bath.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

I do keep careful watch on molters during cold weather - it's not to say that you can't do extra for them and take steps to make them more comfortable, but usually it's best to leave them with the flock. If you notice your girl becomes lethargic, stops eating/drinking etc., that's a signal to intervene.

All of my molters have acted a little lethargic and not that interested in food. This one's appetite is not what I'd call great. She did eat some egg this morning.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

They do seem to not want to eat, especially with the flock - I think some of it is they feel very vulnerable and don't want to be touched. The new growth coming in I believe is painful.

I usually spread food in several places - I have cups that attach to the run wire, so there are several feeding spaces - this seems to help. Also any treats that I give gets spread out as well - depending on what it is - I have several bowls that I put in separate areas to reduce treat aggression and hoggers - no one chicken can control all the bowls so everyone gets something.

Molters do tend to isolate themselves from the flock, just watch her to see that she is getting water and eating - usually it's after everyone else is away from food/water stations.