Early molting and bad winter?

[tripletfeb]

Hey all! I was just wondering. Has anyone noticed if their chickens molting earlier means a bad winter is coming? I have heard from a few sources(Farmers Almanac, The Weather Channel) that it is supposed to be a colder and snowier winter than usual in the USA. I do take the predictions with a grain of salt, a lot of times weather people are wrong about tomorrows weather, let alone months from now! I was just wondering if people have noticed their chickens molting earlier is related to a bad winter. I know other animals can "predict" a bad winter. Wooly bears are darker for a bad winter, beavers and muskrats build thicker homes. Might be an interesting science experiment at least! Thoughts?

 

[chrissynemetz]

I vaguely remember my grandmother saying something like that, but honestly... I've never actually noticed if it's true.... maybe I'll pay more attention in the future. Now I'm curious lol

 

[aart]

Eh....my birds usually start molting in mid-August, some don't molt until mid-December.
'Wives tales', IMO.

 

[Justso]

I vote no. I had an australorp that would turn naked every year in Oct, some who don't look like they drop a feather.