Molt- rant

[Bschurg]

I have 2 year old hens- 26 of them different varieties. They have all laid very well. I supply eggs to all of my family. My family has become accostomed to it, and rely on it. It is fall and my chickens have gone into their first hard molt. (they are about 6 weeks in and have started to lay again, but still not normal egg production.) I know it's normal for egg production to slow down or stop entirely during their molt. I know there are ways to increase their production during this time, but I have chosen to give them this time off of laying. They have been good producers and I know on the other side of this they will be again. My issue is that my family does not seem to understand this. I have family members "looking into why they are not laying" and "why they are losing their feathers". I have explained this to them- they will molt until they are done, and then they will lay again. It can take 8 weeks. I would also like to add that I am a veterinary technician and I have taken them into work for skin scrapings and scotch tape parasite exams just to be sure that they do not need to be treated for parasites. They are just molting. In the meantime I am getting all kinds of "advice" from family that I find frustrating because they won't listen.

 

[Fluffy_Butt_Hutt]

I'm sorry you have to deal with people only interested in the eggs and not the chickens themselves. I hope one day they will understand that birds need to prepare for colder weather by growing in new strong feathers, and this takes up a lot of energy to do. If you expect they might act the same way next year, give your family a heads up that egg production will slow for some weeks and maybe they won't panic as much.

 

[Bschurg]

I'm sorry you have to deal with people only interested in the eggs and not the chickens themselves. I hope one day they will understand that birds need to prepare for colder weather by growing in new strong feathers, and this takes up a lot of energy to do. If you expect they might act the same way next year, give your family a heads up that egg production will slow for some weeks and maybe they won't panic as much.

Thank you. I just needed to get it out there.

 

[FlockAround-andFindOut]

Dennis sends her deepest condolences.

 

[Mrs. K]

For future plans - move some out, and move young ones in every year. The theory is 1/3 3+ years, 1/3 2 years, and 1/3 coming into lay. Younger chickens lay more eggs, but smaller. Older chickens lay larger eggs but not as many.

Your molt will be strong this year, and may be over in 8 weeks, but next year, these birds the rest period will be longer. Each subsequent year, the rest period increases. And even when they are 'laying' they tend to drop from 5-6 eggs per week to 3-4 eggs per week.

So if you continue in this hobby, it might be something to consider. I keep a flock, birds come in and out of my flock.

Do note, I have 3 pullets hatched in May...and I am not sure if they will lay before January/February. I rather hope they do, as to be honest 3-4 eggs per day is not enough, and I am already into my water glassing stash.
Mrs K