Early/late molt??

[mixedUPturk]

Hey friend! Oldhenlikesdogs is another wonderful helper im sure shes steering you right. To sit tight and be aware. Probly a partial molt but good husbandry is watching closely and asking questions.

If you wanted to do some extra recon work u might wipe the roosts and nest boxes with a clean white paper towel to check for mites. There would be blood smears afterward but as no one else is affected i doubt you have parasites.

The other thing that would come up is egg peritonitis when it seems a hen suddenly isnt thriving and isnt laying. The eggs arent formed all the way for one reason or another(usually calcium deficiency which shouldnt happen with your layer feed) and the unlaid yolks can poison the poor critter.

 

[WhoDatChick]

My flock won't be a year old until April 29. Three of my girls are in a partial molt including my EE.
Their full molt generally happens in their second fall/winter.

Oooh, okay.. I was unaware that they could have a partial molt in their first year... that’s probably exactly what’s going on.. thanks!
This is why I love this place!! Such wonderful, knowledgeable, friendly people.... who always have an answer!!

Still learning....

 

[mixedUPturk]

Also i know you have hatchery birds. They do tend to have higher incidences of laying problems but i know that yours are not hybrid layers theyre herritage breeds.

Really most likely just a light molt but please keep us updated

 

[mixedUPturk]

Oooh, okay.. I was unaware that they could have a partial molt in their first year... that’s probably exactly what’s going on.. thanks!
This is why I love this place!! Such wonderful, knowledgeable, friendly people.... who always have an answer!!

Still learning....

Im very glad to be helpful in our helpful community and thats why i love it too! I learned those things on these pages

 

[WhoDatChick]

Hey friend! Oldhenlikesdogs is another wonderful helper im sure shes steering you right. To sit tight and be aware. Probly a partial molt but good husbandry is watching closely and asking questions.

If you wanted to do some extra recon work u might wipe the roosts and nest boxes with a clean white paper towel to check for mites. There would be blood smears afterward but as no one else is affected i doubt you have parasites.

The other thing that would come up is egg peritonitis when it seems a hen suddenly isnt thriving and isnt laying. The eggs arent formed all the way for one reason or another(usually calcium deficiency which shouldnt happen with your layer feed) and the unlaid yolks can poison the poor critter.

Hey .... Ooh, yikes! I was trying to look her over for mites.. but not sure what I was looking for ... Ima have to Google them so I’ll be aware of the little buggers!
And as I said before... I am so very grateful for all the lovely friends who are so willing to help out

 

[WhoDatChick]

Also i know you have hatchery birds. They do tend to have higher incidences of laying problems but i know that yours are not hybrid layers theyre herritage breeds.

Really most likely just a light molt but please keep us updated

I sure will! Thanks again

 

[mixedUPturk]

Very welcome

 

[rjohns39]

I too am betting on a light molt.

 

[aart]

Partial molt...it happens.

I have stopped making absolutes about chickens.

Same here!!

Jumping to drastic conclusions when a bird stops laying is not logical either.

Regularly checking for bugs is good.
Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

 

[WhoDatChick]

I too am betting on a light molt.

Thank you!