First molt question, too early?

[cicene mete]

Hi BYC-land,
My little EE has always been my best layer. She was the first to lay (beating out the RIRs by at least two weeks) and has been very consistent. About a week ago, she stopped. Like someone turned off the faucet. She seems healthy, she's running around like crazy, she's eating and drinking and her feathers are shiny.

Today, I went into the pen and saw tons of her little downy under-feathers all over the place. At first, I was scared that there was a fight or a predator got in, but everybody was doing fine. Seems like a molt, right? Thing is, she's only 10 months old.

Other info, it's spring (finally) in Massachusetts. The days are getting longer, and we are no longer using artificial light.

Thanks everybody! She's my favorite, so I always worry about her a little bit extra.

 

[debilorrah]

If she is balding in just one specific area, it is a mini-molt. They usually do this around 8 months or so, and that is what it sounds like to me.

 

[cicene mete]

I haven't noticed any specific spots yet, so far, it's just her downy under feathers.

Should I be doing anything to increase her protein intake or offer her any other kind of nutritional support?

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
Increasing protein and giving vitamins is never a bad idea but if she is a mini molt it won't stop it.