Molt....when exactly do they?

[bburn]

Feathers everywhere....I know the weather is hot here and could that be it? Even the 'known' roosters have lost tail feathers. No one looks moth eaten but there are lots of feathers. I have 29 chickens. I am a first timer (but not my DH....but not sure what he knows as he says you just feed them and they will grow).

We have mostly RIR....and then a few that I have no idea...well, except for the Barred Rocks....they are easy to tell.

But my concern is the feathers right now. We got them May 8th this year.

Thanks for any help.

 

[BankerJohn]

if you got them in May this year, it may be a little too soon for a molt, but not unheard of. I think there is a greater probability of lice or mites causing excessive preening. Have you checked for bugs? Do you provide them a dust bath of Diatomaceous Earth?