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

[Robeenop]

Some of my hens are molting, sussex was naked. Now she has basicly filled out, and her feathers are more speckled then before. The Brahmas have not. Neither have the Wyandottes. Just the Astrolorps, B Orpingtons, BR, and Welsummers. So I have molting and broody at the same time.

So I am guessing just minor molts for the rest ? I know my new hens (12) that started laying early Sept., molted into their big girl bloomers already. I can tell my older girls must have done a "secret" molt. Only way I could tell is I had to cut their flight feathers again! This morning there was a blowout of black feathers again. Not sure who is the guilty one.

 

[Happy Chooks]

will they lay eggs well molting ????

No, they generally won't lay while molting. All of their protein available goes to growing feathers.

 

[centrarchid]

Some hens will continue during the toughest part of the molt although at a reduced rate. The egg production can be facilitated during the time by increasing the dietary protein level and controlling thermal stress often associated with poor feathering in cool weather.

 

[RobJones]

Thanks for the info, how long before they are back to normal ?

 

[centrarchid]

Thanks for the info, how long before they are back to normal ?

At this point when you are talking about second year or more adult birds in the northern hemisphere, "normality" will resume shortly after days start getting longer again. Mine will have molt completed roughly 30 days prior to that although photoperiod is what puts them back into physiological state to lay eggs. Once feathers are in and your climate is not too cold, then you can cheat by providing supplemental lighting to push them back into lay a little sooner.

 

[RobJones]

Quote: Good info, thanks

 

[Chickenwolf]

I have so many chickens molting that
Im getting 3 eggs out of 22 hens.
Urg..
Hopefully they will start laying again soon.


Hope yours starts laying better too Happy Chooks

 

[BeachMomma]

Could 7 month olds be going through their first official molt if there's been an explosion of feathers in the coop and run? Or is it considered their juvenile molt?
They've stopped laying about 2 wks ago and not interested in their oyster shell. It looks like a big feather pillow exploded but by looking at them you can only tell 1 of them has a few saddle feathers missing and that's because she's the roosters favorite.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Could 7 month olds be going through their first official molt if there's been an explosion of feathers in the coop and run? Or is it considered their juvenile molt?
They've stopped laying about 2 wks ago and not interested in their oyster shell. It looks like a big feather pillow exploded but by looking at them you can only tell 1 of them has a few saddle feathers missing and that's because she's the roosters favorite.

It's possible. I've never had them molt less than 9 months old, but it sure sounds like yours is from your explanation.

 

[Happy Chooks]

I have so many chickens molting that
Im getting 3 eggs out of 22 hens.
Urg..
Hopefully they will start laying again soon.


Hope yours starts laying better too Happy Chooks

I hear ya! My Easter pullets are kicking into gear, so they are keeping me in eggs.