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Help! Molt in winter???

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by shotgunjustice, Jan 16, 2015.

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  1. Jan 16, 2015 #1
    shotgunjustice

    shotgunjustice In the Brooder

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    My girls are about 9 months old. My best and biggest later is currently in a hard molt. While we are experiencing warmer than normal temps now, forecast is to plummet in a few days. They are pastured, but locked up at night. She's still currently laying duck sized eggs, but I'm afraid that we will lose her to the cold. Ideas? Experience with such an early, untimely molt? I'm in the dark here. TIA
     
  2. Jan 16, 2015 #2
    Mountain Peeps

    Mountain Peeps Change is inevitable, like the seasons Premium Member

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  3. Jan 16, 2015 #3
    justplainbatty

    justplainbatty Songster

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    These untimely molts are quite common. If she is cold she will stay in the coop. Since she has roost mates, they are helping her keep warm at night. Give extra protein to help her regenerate feathers. Unless you see her actively shivering, she is ok.
     
  4. Jan 16, 2015 #4
    GAchickennewbie

    GAchickennewbie Songster

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    One of my girls is doing the same thing, shotgun. Her coop is dry with good ventilation, she has 3 flock-mates, and easy access to get in the warm sun.

    As stated above, extra protein will help. I use dry cat food (it's convenient since I have cats), but canned cat food is another inexpensive alternative.

    I'm sure more experienced members than I can give you more ideas.
     
  5. Jan 17, 2015 #5
    aart

    aart Chicken Juggler! Premium Member 5 Years

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    Most molting birds stop laying...are you sure it's a molt, what breed is she?

    I had a couple of barebacked girls last winter with no heat, they cane thru just fine without any special treatment.
     
    Last edited: Jan 17, 2015
  6. Jan 17, 2015 #6
    mortie

    mortie Songster

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    If she is really molting, I agree with the above suggestions except the heat lamp. I have one molting and its in the single digits. As long as she has friends and a dry coop she will be fine.
     
  7. Jan 17, 2015 #7
    shotgunjustice

    shotgunjustice In the Brooder

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    We think she's a New Hampshire. She lays the most gigantic eggs. I have checked for lice and mites and see nothing.
     
  8. Jan 17, 2015 #8
    aart

    aart Chicken Juggler! Premium Member 5 Years

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    Can you post a pic of her and where dd you get her?
     
  9. Jan 22, 2015 #9
    ACH1980

    ACH1980 In the Brooder

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    I just noticed one of my girls is molting too (I think). Her whole chest is bare and loosing feathers at an alarming rate. Does anyone know how to tell if it is something else besides a winter molt? She is eating/drinking fine and hangs out with the other girls. She seems to be acting fine so far - just shedding a lot of her feathers. Only one of my other chickens molted late this fall & hasn't started laying again yet. Any other ideas?! Thanks =)
     
  10. Jan 22, 2015 #10
    chickengeorgeto

    chickengeorgeto Crowing 5 Years

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    If she is really molting she should be full of pen or blood feathers like in the photo.

    If on the other hand her skin is bare there is another problem, like maybe depluming mites.

    A good diet with plenty of animal protein like was recommended above will help her grow

    a coat of new feathers that will be hard, strong, and shiny.


    [​IMG]

    One other thing, molting chickens are feverish and sore. If you wish to make your hens and roosters

    afraid of you and dread you picking them up, by all means catch them or pick them up while they are molting.

    This will condition them to run away from you.
     
    Last edited: Jan 22, 2015
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