Is this molting?

[Kluckners]

This chicken is almost 9 months old. A few times over the last couple weeks I’ve found a bunch of her feathers strewn around the coop, but she didn’t look any different.

But today she looks like this. I thought they didn’t start molting until after a year. From what I can tell, none of the other hens are pecking at her, but I suppose it’s possible it could be happening in the coop at night.

We just have four hens, no roosters.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Evidence of a pillow fight in the coop is a sure sign of molting.

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

Yup!

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

Molting.

 

[ButtonHoarder]

Looks like molting to me, she is GORGEOUS

 

[sourland]

Evidence of a pillow fight in the coop is a sure sign of molting.

this, and look at all of those pin feathers.

 

[aart]

I thought they didn’t start molting until after a year.

Chickens molt and grow a new set of feathers 2-3 times before around 6 months of age, those are called the juvenile molts.
Some pullets will have a partial molt their first fall/winter.
Most birds will have their first full adult molt their second fall/winter.

 

[Kluckners]

Thanks for all the reassurance everyone!

 

[LightedPrism]

I cant add anything to the molting question, but omg she's beautiful!! she looks buff laced?