Molt before ever laying?

[Cherrypie]

I have a Marans and a RIR that should have started laying by now but haven't. I've noticed feathers all over the place and I'm wondering if they went straight to molting and skipped laying. Is that possible? There is still plenty of sunlight here in Washington, so I'm surprised that they would start molting.

 

[popcornpuppy]

How old are the chickens?
Have there been any changes that may have upset them such as new flock members, preditors scarring them, modifications to the coop?

Stress can bring on molting, but it's not the only reason. I don't know enough to answer if they can skip laying and go into a molt. So I thought I would bring up the simple things first, and maybe some one with a better idea can chime in to help out.

 

[jerseygirl1]

I asked that once before - I think they don't techncally molt, they shed their baby feathers

 

[jerseygirl1]

Here it is

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=233370

 

[Cherrypie]

Quote:
Thank you for this link. My girls are approximately 22-24 weeks (not sure on age because I didn't raise them from hatching) and they have red wattles and yellowing feet, so I've been expecting something any day. All I'm getting are lots of full size feathers in the coop and hen house.

 

[lindym]

Quote:
Hmmmm, I think it is the Washington weather

. Mine are 21 and 22 weeks. We had sporadic egg laying 3 weeks ago and now all we find are feathers

Linda

 

[Cherrypie]

Hmmmm, I think it is the Washington weather

. Mine are 21 and 22 weeks. We had sporadic egg laying 3 weeks ago and now all we find are feathers

Linda

Oh that's a sad thought. Waiting until spring? Ugh.

 

[thewarriorchild]

mine just did!