Molting? NOW? In Frozen Connecticut?

[Astrid]

I've got four hens, 2 Buff Orps and 2 Barred Rocks, all 18 months old. All seem happy and healthy, though laying has dropped off considerably this winter.

Suddenly, the coop is littered with Rock feathers! What is going on? Could the rocks be molting? You've got to be kidding me! It's frigid! Is this abnormal? Will the poor dears freeze? They've got a snug coop, but still I worry.....they're rather like pets!

Thanks,
Astrid

 

[debilorrah]

At 18 months old you have a really high chance of ALL of them molting any minute now. Is the coop heated? If so they should be ok. What an awful time of year for them to do that. On the up side, winter is low production so at least you won't notice the # of eggs dropping off so drastically.

 

[susanhai]

my girls always choose the coldest week of the year... go figure!

 

[Lunachick]

I had a banty mix go through a rough molt just a few weeks ago. It was the coldest period so far this winter.

She was SO vulnerable, wouldn't come out of the coop, poor girl. I gave her extra protein, ie - meats and extra egg stuff and cheese, she would go mad for it.

It took her awhile, now she's lovely. And she has her confidence back, and is back to her regular every other day egg!