Losing feathers already?

[jag]

The chickens are 11 weeks old today.

What I have noticed for the past two weeks are feathers everywhere!!! Is this normal? Should they be losing feathers already?

 

[andischickenfarm]

It seems kinda soon for them to already be going into molt. I'm not really sure about that. Have you looked at their skin to make sure there is no bugs or anything? I know one of my hens had lost a bunch of feathers so I caught her and pulled her feathers back and she had mites and that was what was causing her feathers to fall out. What's really weird is that my other hens didn't have them! I was really confused. Sorry I can't help you more. Hopefully you won't have any naked chickens running around like the ones in China or Japan. Those things look weird! And their bred that way. Good Luck!

Andi

 

[ella]

They will go through about 3 molts in their first year. It makes sense if you think about how fast they grow. They need bigger feathers as they get bigger.

 

[andischickenfarm]

Hum... I didn't know that! But if you think about it, that does make sense! I learn something new everyday!

Thanks,
Andi