How many feathers does a hen normally lose?

[Kathryn4629]

I have been seeing quite a few feathers in the coup, I believe that most are coming from my splash cochin with the feathered legs. All the hens are about 9 months old so I didn't think they would be molting yet? Any advice or suggestions? Do chickens shed feathers like humans and dogs shed hair? Sorry for the silly question, I am a newbie.

 

[Mahonri]

I've seen differing degrees of molt. Some look almost naked, others you wouldn't know they were molting but for all the feathers you find.

Good luck.

 

[gritsar]

She may be going through a mini-molt. Some of my chickens did in the 7 to 9 month range. It's no way near as bad as their 18 month molt when they looked plucked.

 

[Imp]

Here's a link with some info about feather loss.

Imp


http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/lvstk2/mf2308.pdf

 

[Kathryn4629]

Quote:
Thanks for the article!! I think that it might be a molt, they are defiantly not pecking at each-other.