Early Molting at 7 months? Or Something Else?

[ThesuburbHENyard]

I have a 7 month old brown leghorn who appears to be going through "partial molt" I think, but I wanted to ask you guys.

1. She stopped laying eggs about 3 weeks ago
2. Just this past week I have noticed large tail feathers dropping, and now some of her small chest and shoulder feathers.
3. Her comb is a lighter red, slightly scaly, and isn't as large or floppy as it once was.
4. The tiny thin feathers around the top of her head look dry and uncolored.
5. When I go to pick her up, several of her smaller chest and downy feathers fall out just from her handling her.
6. I checked for mites (during the day) and I don't see any.
7. I DO see new healthy feather stalks (proper word?) growing in everywhere.

Thoughts? Is this an early partial molt, or maybe something else?

 

[Embuck]

Sounds like a molt to me!
Welcome to BYC, and best wishes!

 

[chickens really]

@casportpony

 

[aart]

1. I DO see new healthy feather stalks (proper word?) growing in everywhere.

Thoughts? Is this an early partial molt, or maybe something else?

They are called 'pin feathers' or 'blood feathers' (because they are filled with blood and may bleed heavily if broken) and are new feathers growing in.

Sounds like a molt to me.....not too common with a bird that age, but also not unprecedented. Had a 9 month old go thru a partial molt, many others have had younger birds molt like that in the fall. I'm assuming your are in the northern hemisphere. Putting your location in your profile really helps, easy to do and it then it's always there!

How long has she been laying?
Can you post some pics of her?

 

[chickens really]

My Young Brahma/EE/Orpington is only 3 months and feathers everywhere ...Each bird is different ....Mine is having a big juvenile moult...

 

[aart]

My Young Brahma/EE/Orpington is only 3 months and feathers everywhere ...Each bird is different ....Mine is having a big juvenile moult...

But that's different than the OP's situation,
a laying pullet molting is not a juvenile molt.

 

[chickens really]

But that's different than the OP's situation,
a laying pullet molting is not a juvenile molt.

Lol...No was stated as an example only.....not all moult the same each time...Some get bald some don't look so bad...

 

[phoenixlady]

My hen who is 7 months and has not layed yet has a ligther comb I have noticed more feather loss. I am wondering if she is sick or molting. Image 1 is Aug 27 and 2,3 are today. She has always been more docile and quiet but always robust and healthy. Also just added new healthy quarantined hens.