Extremely Heavy Molt????

[Country Guy John]

Hello All,

My Buff Opringtons were 1 year old this past April. They stopped laying in June. At first I thought it was the hot weather but then they went through a very heavy molt in late August or early September. This molt was so heavy that you could visibly see an excess of feathers in the run and house. At first I thought something was after them but that was ruled out because all of my chickens are still there. Also, the chickens now look "brand new" with their new feathering. This is my first time with this breed and I have never noticed this before in other breeds (Barred Rock, Australorps, & Jersey Giants) that I have had in the past. Water, feed, and protection is maintained.


Question?????

How long after the molt before they start laying or what could be the problem? Im depending on you (my feathered friends lovers) for your expert opinion.

Thanks,

John

 

[Makomd]

This time of year could likely be lack of light. You can add light to their coop with a timer and supply the additional light if you would like. Still may take a week or so before they pick back up.

 

[CoopCognito]

Our two Buffs 7mo have stopped laying after producing 6ea per week consistently from mid June. Our Wellsummer still laying an egg a day. Daylight hasn't shrunk that much yet here in East Tennessee. Perplexed...and missing the great summer production.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

How long after the molt before they start laying or what could be the problem? Im depending on you (my feathered friends lovers) for your expert opinion.

Thanks,

John

Moulting can take over three months from start to finish, especially with a heavy moult like that (which sounds perfectly normal, btw). If you don't have a light on them, you can add a light on a timer to take them gradually up to 14-16 hours of light a day. Do it in half hour increments, adding half an hour of light a week.

Our two Buffs 7mo have stopped laying after producing 6ea per week consistently from mid June. Our Wellsummer still laying an egg a day. Daylight hasn't shrunk that much yet here in East Tennessee. Perplexed...and missing the great summer production.

Your daylight hours have shrunk quite a bit. Looking at a sunrise/sunset table for Knoxville, your Sunrise: 7:50am; Sunset: 6:51pm. That's only 11 hours of daylight. Chickens need 14-16 hours of light to lay well. I would give you the same advice I gave John, above. Add a light on a timer, and increase the light weekly in half hour intervals until you have enough light.

For both of you--here's the science: http://www.sp.uconn.edu/~mdarre/poultrypages/light_inset.html
And here's and interview with a poultry vet that says it will not hurt the birds: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2011/09/supplemental-light-in-coop-why-how.html

 

[CoopCognito]

Much appreciated!!! Good advice and link.

Best, Scott

 

[CoopCognito]

Update: After installing christmas lights on a timer, All of the girls are back to laying on a daily basis. Thanks!