Molt

[phore]

Was wondering about causes of molting. Temp change, stress, change in food, time of year, breed etc.
Do all chickens in flock molt at about the same time?
Duration for molt. What factors are involved in duration.
thanks

 

[Domestic_goddess]

Under natural circumstances a chicken will molt for 14 to 16 weeks during the late summer or early fall. The more prolific layers will start their molt early and molt very slowly. This is why some birds will look unthrifty for a time while this is taking place.