Molting Chicks

[sangel4you]

SO. 'mini molts" are normal even at three months? I mean they still have feathers and no balding spots that I can see, I just find tons of feather all over the place! And I do know some are from tails, because I've caught them preening around their tail feathers and can see the short nubs that are growing back up. I checked their feet and their feathers as much as they'll let me (nervous leghorns

) and havent noticed any signs of mites, etc. I do dust their pen in DE every week or two so that shouldnt be a problem anyway.

 

[sangel4you]

bumping, cuz I am concerned!

 

[nwgirl]

My 5 chickens are 2.5 months old and there are feathers everywhere (no balding). Feathers of all sizes! My husband said there's enough feathers on the ground to make whole other chicken!

It appears from this thread that its fairly common. I'm just not sure what to do with all the feathers everywhere - get out the shop vac???

 

[cmom]

I agree with the previous posts and think your birds are meat birds. You are probably right and have Cornish Rocks.

 

[cmom]

Oops.....

 

[Ridgerunner]

Sounds like you got the meat birds. This link describes the feathering process and minimolts which may help you and others understand what is going on and why.

http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/lvstk2/mf2308.pdf