HARD Molting hen, pin feathers not opening at end

tigger19687

Crowing
6 Years
Jun 27, 2017
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Metrowest- Massachusetts
My Coop
My Coop
So I have not seen this before so bad
1 hen is having a REAL HARD molt, ok no biggie. But it is Super chilly here (Teens over night, 30's daytime).
On her back and a section on her side is a big swath of no feathers and Pin feathers coming out. About 1.5-2" long pointy.
My issue is that the ends are Not opening up like they have done before. They are pointy.

Now maybe it is just that it is such a wide open area, with no other feathers covering it, that it is more noticeable. I am sure this is it but I am a bit concerned about the cold weather.

They are dry and happy, eating & drinking. No one fighting as they all (but the low totem pole girl) are molting.
They are getting Feather fixer for the past almost month, mixed with their Layer.
Flock block cracked up & cracked corn everywhere in the covered run every 3 to 5 days for them to shift and peck for in the straw.
I am going to give some warmed up wet cat food (cat won't eat it) as a treat tonight for all.

At what length of Pin Feathers should I get worried if they are still not opening at the end ?

Watch, I will go out there now and the end will be opening making me look like an idiot.... they seem to like to do that to me.
 
It can sometimes take until the whole feather is grown in. I believe the chickens themselves open up the sheaths to release the feathers. A hard molting bird sometimes don't want those feathers touched. I would guess as it starts to feel less uncomfortable there will be more grooming by the bird.

I too have a few going through a late hard molt. They aren't happy birds currently.
 
In my experience hard molts when it is cold cause the pin feathers to grow somewhat more rapidly than normal. As a result it takes longer for them to mature and lose the sheaths. Sounds as if all is good with your flock. Keep them dry, well fed and draft free and 'this too shall pass'.
 
proximal phalange, 3rd digit . Yup I knew that was about an inch but I always forget.
I do know that with my shoes on, that my one foot print is just shy of a foot long ;)
I usually rough measure the ground when I am trying to figure out how much room I need or have.

BTW, went out this evening with Warm mash for them. Grabbed naked Kate and a couple of the ends are starting to open up. I kind of rubbed a bunch on the back but that lasted all of a few seconds as Prissy Pecan (head hen) was not happy me holding on to Kate.
:confused:

They were happy for the warm mash . Tis 32 out today.......... and my DD mentioned the S word. :smack

Tomorrow I will wrap her up and see what the rest are doing. None of the other 3 molting are anywhere like this.
But I will post Pics for Future people so they know what it looks like.

Thanks all.

BTW @aart Nice Swirl print !
 
Thanks. Our Late Autumn was hot then chilly then hot then chilly, but warmer all around. I think that is why the other 3 waited to molt and my 1 picked on girl was the first to molt and be finished.
 
Could it just be the cold weather making the sheaths harder?
Have you tried to preen one to see how easily it comes off?
 
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