Tractor Supply has this about right. I'm not sure about the stages regarding weeks of age but they seem reasonable. Often the moults are hardly noticeable. What the chicken pros here say is it's a continuous process until they get their first set of adult feathers. The most noticeable moult is losing the fluff and getting their first set of feathers. Of course, the chicks are still growing and the feathers don't grow to suit the body growth so they shed and replace.
Thanks Shad that is reassuring and makes a lot of sense to me. I will save some of their baby feathers in case they change color as they grow.Tractor Supply has this about right. I'm not sure about the stages regarding weeks of age but they seem reasonable. Often the moults are hardly noticeable. What the chicken pros here say is it's a continuous process until they get their first set of adult feathers. The most noticeable moult is losing the fluff and getting their first set of feathers. Of course, the chicks are still growing and the feathers don't grow to suit the body growth so they shed and replace.
I wouldn't worry.
That's what I saw in Ivy and Peggy. Small feather losses (except for Ivy's plucked tail) and lots of new ones.Tractor Supply has this about right. I'm not sure about the stages regarding weeks of age but they seem reasonable. Often the moults are hardly noticeable. What the chicken pros here say is it's a continuous process until they get their first set of adult feathers. The most noticeable moult is losing the fluff and getting their first set of feathers. Of course, the chicks are still growing and the feathers don't grow to suit the body growth so they shed and replace.
I wouldn't worry.
I had someone explain to me how and why this happens but I didn't fully understand (translation problems again) and I couldn't find any 'science' to confirm it. Roughly, the constant feather shedding has something to do with feather quill size in these early moults. Feathers grow in proportion to the bird. Feather size is governed in part by the size of the follicle. While the chicks still have fluff, they don't have filo plums that can control the feather position. These filo plums grow later than the first set of feather that have obvious primaries. I'm not sure when.
As mine get near to molt I notice that their feathers start getting tattered. Let me find a picture.I’m not sure if I’ve ever noticed this before either... not to say it didn’t happen though.. and maybe it’s different with each breed.... I will try and get some pics later to show yall...
This picture of Daisy, the greatest hen ever, was taken in October as she was molting. She had a very gradual molt but in this picture you can see her beautiful new wing feathers but check out her ratty tail. Those feathers are all busted up.
Don't knock Hattie's butt - remember it is very fluffy (if large)!Sydney is Roosted
So it looks like Sydney has given up the hatch. She roosted tonight. I would take a photo but Hattie's giant butt is blocking the camera tonight!
It is indeed both Fluffy and large enough to block any vision of the roosts tonight.
