Molting 3+ times a year??

[4Exploradores]

Hi all. My 2 Wellsummers molt AT LEAST twice a year, sometimes up to 4. It feels like as soon as they finish molting, they molt again. And my Easter Egger molts about 2x a year. My other hens molt once a year or less. So, any ideas on what might be going on? Thanks all!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Can you explain more what you are seeing that you consider a molt? How old are these hens? What do you feed? Do you use extra lighting?

Most chickens will molt all feathers in the fall. Replacing old worn feathers with new fresh ones to go through winter with. Some will also go through a partial neck molt in spring, and some may lighten their coat, but it usually isn't a full body molt. A full body molt includes wing and tail feathers.

Some birds will pluck other birds feathers. Either out of boredom or to eat the feathers for the protein. With a molt feathers are everywhere generally. With feather picking generally the feathers get eaten.

 

[JaeG]

Broody hens will also moult after they have stopped sitting. Are they broody girls?