For the new folks that haven't experienced a molt yet.

[MysTzN]

One of my two girls is molting. She is almost 1 year and losing them around her neck and legs. The weather where I live is mild right now, but is it normal for them to molt in the winter? How long does it take for feathers to start going back? Is there anything I can feed her to help quicker growth?

 

[mrsc1951]

Depending on the breed, she may lose only some or nearly all of her feathers. Molting typically occurs during the fall and winter months. It doesn't make sense to me that they lose their feathers in the coldest part of the year but that's when it occurs. Don't worry, even if it does get really cold, she will be fine. On average a molt - start to finish - can last 2-3 months. Of course there are exceptions and those that just don't follow the rules. You can give them some extra protein to help regrow those feathers. That's why they stop laying eggs; all their protein is going to make new feathers. I give mine a few extra mealworms a few times a week during molt.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Yes it's normal for them to be molting in winter. The feathers will come back in pretty quickly, but she may cycle out other feathers. It depends on the severity of her molt. After her feathers come back in, then she has to get her body weight back up to a safe level before she can lay again. When her comb turns from pale and shriveled to bright red again, she's close to laying again.

As for helping her through it, supplement her with high protein treats. I raise my birds protein by mixing in game bird starter (30% protein) with flockraiser (20% protein). Mealworms, meat scraps, fish, black oil sunflower seeds are all great treats to help them through their molts. Cut out any "junk" like scratch right now.

 

[alicemarie]

I also read in Chicken Health HandBook by Gail Damerow...which is great by the way that some cat food every other day is good during molting for extra protein. I also ordered some Immune and Digestive Support from Young AgainPetfood.com

 

[Happy Chooks]

I also read in Chicken Health HandBook by Gail Damerow...which is great by the way that some cat food every other day is good during molting for extra protein. I also ordered some Immune and Digestive Support from Young AgainPetfood.com

Cat food has a good amount of protein, but it is also high in sodium - so small amounts if you choose to give cat food.

 

[memphis]

I usually give them tuna instead of cat food. Yogurts is good too. I currently have four Barnevelders going through their first hard molt. I've been worried about them in this crazy cold weather. But they are doing fine. Instead of roosting at night they've been crawling into a nest box together! Even my big fat fully feathered Speckled Sussex has been crawling in with them. They are staying cozy at night!

 

[Gifa]

Most of my girls have finished or are almost finished with their molt... one of my girls (a SLW) has yet to begin molting... I am thankful though... as she is the only one who has continued to lay eggs this winter. One of my molters (an EE) laid an egg the day before yesterday, and another one this morning...

I noticed that her face and comb reddened up considerably before she started laying again. So, I am hoping this means she's ready to get back on the job.

A couple of my others (a BL, an EE, and a SLW) have begun to redden up as well, so I am hoping they are gearing up to start laying again soon too, even though I totally expected them to hold out until the middle of February, about a week or two after the days get to be about 10 hours long again... but if they want to get on it sooner... who am I to argue?

 

[alicemarie]

Thank you for that. I will keep that in mind.

 

[schnebbles]

Gifa - is your avatar an EE? so cute! trying to decide what my next 2 pullets should be and EE's are so cute. I like bantams but I know they come in bantam size.

 

[Gifa]

Gifa - is your avatar an EE? so cute! trying to decide what my next 2 pullets should be and EE's are so cute. I like bantams but I know they come in bantam size.

Yes, That's my EE, Saffron... seen below on the right. After her first full molt, she looks a little different than she does in the photo below... She has a lot of white speckling on the gold area on her wings and back. I should do a post molt portrait of all my girls, come to think of it. Even Kaylee, seen below on the left, looks a little different now that she's got her big girl feathers.



She was purchased from Estes Hatchery as an "Ameraucana". She of course doesn't meet the breed standard for true Ameraucanas... but she lays the loveliest olive green eggs. Hers is the one in the middle front in the photo below. As you can see, it adds yet another color to my carton of eggs. I really feel like I should run out and get a couple more hens, one that lays ivory eggs and another that lays chocolate colored eggs. Then my rainbow will be complete.

She laid her first egg last year on Feb 5th I believe... so I expect her to start laying again around that time.