How long does a Moult last? PICS ADDED

[cheeptrick]

I was wondering how long does molting usually last for chickens? Is it different for very breed or is it different for each individual?

I've got one who has a bare neck...not laying...and I'm just wondering? Her body feathers are all rumpled and messy...

No mites here...in case you were wondering.

 

[Mrs MIA]

Is she actually losing feathers? Usually when they go into a molt, they don't actually get bare patches. Just going off of this, it doesn't sound like molting, but possibly something else, though I couldn't say what. Keep an eye on her, and I hope someone more knowledgeable will pipe up....

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

Natural moulting usually begins sometime during March-April and should be completed by July when egg production recommences.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

Here is a great website on moulting.

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/27_2709_ENA_HTML.htm

 

[Mrs MIA]

Thanks Peeps!

 

[cheeptrick]

HELLO and THANKS...that was a great article. Wish they had pictures. I believe my hen is having a partial moult or neck moult.

I'll get some pictures and post them...

Bear with me...

 

[ravenfeathers]

i'd just like to add here that everyone has their opinion on the only time a hen ever moults and they're all different. when i was trying to figure out what was up with my hen and her feather loss, i must've read seventeen different articles, FAQs, etc. and they all disagreed. "hens only moult in the FALL" only how they also only moult in SPRING, SUMMER, or WINTER. i think it must depend on your climate or something. it had me stumped for a good long while because i was just convinced that she was moulting, but i kept reading that they only moulted in the autumn. bottom line, i think hens will moult whenever they're good and ready.

edit ha ha, i started reading that linked article and started sputtering at the autumn reference before realizing it was an australian article! hee!

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

Ravenfeathers...I bet the climate does have a lot to do with when birds moult. I know here in WI my friends who have chickens are usually all done with moult in July...that article has proved pretty accurate for the chickens around here. It also depends on how they are cared for too I suppose. I'm going to hunt for some threads on moulting now and read up

Thanks for bringing that up.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

CHEEPTRICK! I meant to tell you that I LOVE your name! lol One of my favorite bands

 

[Darin115]

Part of white loghorns went thru a molt. Now the remaining 2 are going thru it now.

It cut the egg production for a week or more.

Darin