LOST FEATHERS......is this normal?

[marsgenegenie]

Hi, We have 2 great gals Daphne & Josephine (Some Like It Hots fans!!) Daph is the smaller and leaner of the two. She has lost feathers from her behind and the top of her legs. Looking at some of the posts it seams it's quite commom in winter (Winter here in Queensland, Australia) She seams fit, happy & healthy as normal. Will they grow back? How long to do so if so? Is there anything I can giver her to assist? Thanks a lot

 

[Ridgerunner]

In think these two links together give a lot of great information on molting.

Mississippi State describes molting
http://msucares.com/poultry/management/poultry_feathers.html

Kansas State feather loss
http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/lvstk2/mf2308.pdf

Some people feed all sorts of high protein stuff when they molt, but I don't. I just keep feeding them as normal. They usually quit laying and use that energy and nutrition to grow feathers back. Part of their natural rythm. The time off from laying recharges their system. When they do start laying again, you can expect larger eggs.

Good luck!

 

[marsgenegenie]

Thanks Ridgerunner. Glad she's 'normal' and I will await the re-growth!

 

[Afrochicken]

There molting