Molting for 5 months

[GreenCh1cken]

Hello, I have two Bielefelders that are 1.5 years old. Around mid July of this year they stopped laying eggs and started to molt. At first it was a lot of feathers, they were very lethargic. Those new feathers have filled in but they are still continuing to loose feathers. Around the neck, some in the tail area. its been 5 months now. No eggs, minimal energy, very skiddish, Is this normal to have such a long molt?
I've given them more protein for feather production but no resolve. Any advise or similar stories would be appreciated.

 

[aart]

Are the same ones that lost feathers in mid July(~3 months ago) losing more feathers now?
They can all molt at different times..and sometimes molts can last a long time.

What all and how exactly are you feeding?

Are these 2 your only birds?

 

[Peaches Lee]

Usually molt begins as the days become shorter and the nights become cooler, signaling the birds need to produce new feathers for the upcoming winter. So I am surprised that these birds began their molt in July.

While every bird is different, I don't believe a 4 month molt is normal.

The fact that they are still molting is interesting and I can understand your concern.

What is their coop situation? Are there more chickens that could be picking their feathers? Overcrowding? Stressors from something?

They may be very sensitive birds considering you say they are skittish.

 

[GreenCh1cken]

These are my only two birds, so yes, same birds from JULY still molting. Feed has varied from 16% to 18% feed. There is always plenty of fresh food and water plus scratch and meal worm treats. As far as I can tell the feather loss is from areas that old feather existed. They never used to be skiddish until molting began.