Feather Pecking

[MndaG]

They usually molt around fall after their first year, but some may molt as early as summer or as late as winter. Some may molt before first year, some might skip a year.

If she'll allow you to handle her (which she might not, molting is irritating), look more carefully at the bare patches. The "harder part of the feather" that you're seeing, does it look like a bunch of plastic-y coated quills, similar to the ones on the first image on this thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...st-your-best-worst-chicken-molt-pics.1269409/

If so, that's new feathers growing in during molt.

I'll have to look tomorrow and see how she'll do for me handling her. What should I do for her if she is molting in winter?

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'll have to look tomorrow and see how she'll do for me handling her. What should I do for her if she is molting in winter?

Upping protein intake may help her feather out, but otherwise regrowing feathers is just a matter of time. I wouldn't worry too much about her being cold, she seems to still have a good amount of feathers on her so she should do fine.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

They have never molted before. When do they usually molt?

Most birds will molt sometime during their second fall or winter and sounds just as you described in your first post and why my first question was age as it was the first suspect.

Timing and intensity can vary by individual as mentioned by the other poster. I also could not zoom in for eyes to identify anything significant. They will *usually* stop laying eggs during that time to focus their energy on regrowing feathers.

Sorry so many questions, BTW. My attention to detail can come off a bit overwhelming.

Plucked or broken feathers do not usually grow back in until the bird does molt. She should still be plenty warm enough with buddies to snuggle next to.

Leghorns are very striking and entertaining birds.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Extra protein would still be good for molting. Dumor Layer is 16% ... I switched to Flock Raiser (20%) few years ago. No more stage feeding, less storage and it's ok for everyone to eat. I put out a separate dish of Oyster Shells when they start laying. Never had laying nor shell issues

 

[MndaG]

Most birds will molt sometime during their second fall or winter and sounds just as you described in your first post and why my first question was age as it was the first suspect.

Timing and intensity can vary by individual as mentioned by the other poster. I also could not zoom in for eyes to identify anything significant. They will *usually* stop laying eggs during that time to focus their energy on regrowing feathers.

Sorry so many questions, BTW. My attention to detail can come off a bit overwhelming.

Plucked or broken feathers do not usually grow back in until the bird does molt. She should still be plenty warm enough with buddies to snuggle next to.

Leghorns are very striking and entertaining birds.

They are my first flock of chickens. I love them, they are really social with me. Last year during their first winter they didn't stop laying at all, everyday I got an egg from each girl. Sometimes there was even an extra one. I think I misunderstood what you asked when you asked about if they are laying. They are in the laying stage of their life, but they aren't really this winter. Which if they are molting explains why I haven't been getting many. Sometimes it's just one a day, but I've been having days with none at all.

 

[MndaG]

Extra protein would still be good for molting. Dumor Layer is 16% ... I switched to Flock Raiser (20%) few years ago. No more stage feeding, less storage and it's ok for everyone to eat. I put out a separate dish of Oyster Shells when they start laying. Never had laying nor shell issues

What is the difference between the two? Is it just the protein amount?
Who makes the flock raiser? I've only seen the grower from Dumor.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

What is the difference between the two? Is it just the protein amount?
Who makes the flock raiser? I've only seen the grower from Dumor.

Dumor is a TSC brand that is manufactured by Purina I believe.

Different brands may call the same formula something different, they make up their own names essentially. The main difference between any of the feed regardless of what they are called is protein and calcium content followed by amino acid content and minor differences between the other nutrients.

Most "layer", "feather fixer", and "breeder", rations will have around 4%+ calcium.

Most "grower", "flock raiser", "starter", "meatbird", "all flock", "grower".. will have about 1% calcium. These usually also have higher protein and amino acid content.

I prefer the Purina Flock Raiser (OS on the side) personally. At my location there is only about 1 cent per pound difference between the 2 brands. My local TSC has seen an increase and change in the Dumor products available. Not all stores may carry (or have in stock if sold out) all products. And they just sent me my 10% off entire purchase "rewards" coupon!

It is very normal for the first winter to still get eggs, especially from Leghorn. So it does sound like your decrease in eggs and feather concern is probably molt/daylight related. I try to sell off 2 older ladies earlier in the season so their new family gets a good amount of eggs before molt sets in. And I replace with a couple young pullets (maybe new breeds I'd like to try for eye candy and egg basket variety) that *should* start laying before my winter molt and lull sets in. Just for information and ideas in the future to consider.

But also if you plan ahead instead of getting rid of all your eggs stash.. they last unwashed in the fridge for 6+ months and still better quality than store bought. I say this out of experience and not hear say.

 

[ChickNanny13]

@EggSighted4Life explained it well.
Purina manufactors alot of products under different names for different locations from what I've been told. Dels/TSC here has been switching out alot of their stuff to "Dumor" which I've had negative results with my girls when the switch first started a few years ago. About that time "learned" about FR, made the switch and hoping Dels don't discontinue it. I just found out the only other feed store (locally owned) here recently selling FR ... They used to be strictly Nutrena brand but glad they're offered FR.

 

[MndaG]

Here is another pic I got of the hen I was concerned about. But from what everyone was saying it does look more like a molt is happening.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Here is another pic I got of the hen I was concerned about. But from what everyone was saying it does look more like a molt is happening.View attachment 2001062

Yup it's a little hard to see but definitely pin feathers in those bare spots. Those will quickly grow out to become feathers.