First molt ?

[Pebbles]

My girls will be 1 year old February 18. Some of them look like they are molting. Are they old enough to molt and do chickens molt in February? It seems most molt in October.

Thanks for your help!!!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Check out this site. It might help.

Mississippi State describes molting
http://msucares.com/poultry/management/poultry_feathers.html

Chickens can molt at any time. They usually molt in the fall since the shortening hours of day light is one thing that can start it, but stress or going without water can cause it too.

 

[snowflake]

My sussex rooster is molting right now. he looks rather ragged,poor guy. he is almost a year old, the hens went in to molt late fall. My EE roo has not yet shown signs of molt, all are the same age

 

[Pebbles]

Thanks so much for your advice. The Mississippi Stae web site was helpful. You also mentioned stress could bring on molt. We live in Arizona and the girls have seen very little rain in their first year but we have had a lot of rain in the last several weeks, and I mean A LOT, and that seems to coincide with molting...is that possible? They always have plenty of fresh food and water.

Brownie