High heat and feather loss?

[dpenning]

Is it normal for young hens to shed feathers when the temps become extreme or should I be worried about something else? They are 5 months old and I don't remember my first batch losing this many. The girls look fine, I'm just surprised by the number of feathers I'm seeing I the run. It has been in the 101-103* range here for a while tho.

 

[azygous]

No, hens don't shed feathers to stay cool. They utilize their combs and wattles as heat exchangers to rid their bodies of excess heat.

A few in my flock have begun fall molt already, and the four-month old juveniles are also molting. I'd bet on molt as the cause of the feather loss you see.

 

[aart]

I'd agree on the juvenile molt theory.......
.......maybe your first batch were eating the shed feathers?

I always kind of like to see shed feathers pile up in the coop, means they aren't eating them for the protein content.

 

[dpenning]

Cool, thanks for the feedback.