First molt in first year?

[mamamarye]

We have 6 barred rocks purchased at end of February this year as day old chicks. We haven’t had an egg from anybody in about 2-3 weeks with daylight changes and it appears they have been starting to molt with increased feathers everywhere. One is really looking like she’s hard molting.

We opted not to put a light in the coop and to just let them take a natural break. Considering that, I’m assuming a molt in their first year could be normal. Am I correct in that thinking? I’ve read in several places that it’s not until after their first full year that they molt and I get a bit concerned.

 

[ChickNanny13]

That's what I've read to "after their first full year", could be a "Jr Molt". Just to be safe, check for mites/lice; vent, under wings & tail area. What are you feeding them? You may want to increase protein intake with treats; MealWorms, tuna, scrambled or boiled eggs, etc....It helps with their refeathering.

I feed fermented Flock Raiser once they're about 6 - 8wks, when they start laying I add a dish of Oyster Shells in their Enclosure. My BOs are 32wks, did go through a Jr Molt this past Summer, have been laying since early October (3 - 4 per day), not looking towards molt next year. They are so fluffy, I can imagine the loose feathers all over their Enclosure

 

[chickens really]

No one appears to be having a hard molt in those pictures..The lack of eggs is normal with shortened days and the feather loss is them getting ready for colder nights..Growning in new down feathers...

 

[sourland]

Your birds are on the longer end of 'year olds' so a full molt is not at all unusual for them. It's good that you are giving them a 'break' in egg laying. It will probably extend their laying 'career'.

 

[SonoranChick]

Yes, a juvenile molt can happen!

 

[mamamarye]

No one appears to be having a hard molt in those pictures..The lack of eggs is normal with shortened days and the feather loss is them getting ready for colder nights..Growning in new down feathers...

She looks better in the photos but quite pitiful in real life!

 

[mamamarye]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Working on upping protein in diet and will stay the course!

 

[aart]

Not really a juvenile molt, but might not be a full molt either.
Have had a couple 9-10 month olds molt and read of many others.

This is a hard molt...older bird tho 18mo.

 

[mamamarye]

Not really a juvenile molt, but might not be a full molt either.
Have had a couple 9-10 month olds molt and read of many others.

This is a hard molt...older bird tho 18mo.
View attachment 1191027

Yes, not quite like that! The top of her neck is very thinned out right now and she’s just quite thin looking compared to the rest. I couldn’t get close enough to her to see if the pin feathers were present