Molting on the East Coast

[ampchef]

Hi All....
I have a variety of 2 YO hens which have all decided to molt now that it's 32 degrees out and colder at night! I don't remember them molting this time of year?
With that being said, they are eating very little and have not produce 1 egg in the last 3 weeks
The thought of buying eggs at our local grocery store is making me very SAD!!

Any thoughts as to why they are molting now (in Massachusetts) would be greatly appreciated!
AMP

 

[Grammy60]

Hello and welcome to BYC We are so happy you have joined us.
Someone will be here shortly to answer your question about molting ? I know some of ours did in the colder weather.

 

[Tookie]

Hi and welcome to BYC!

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. Mine unfortunately, molt without regard for the weather. I add additional protein to their diet and wait it out.

 

[Blue Raptor]

Hi All....
I have a variety of 2 YO hens which have all decided to molt now that it's 32 degrees out and colder at night! I don't remember them molting this time of year?
With that being said, they are eating very little and have not produce 1 egg in the last 3 weeks
The thought of buying eggs at our local grocery store is making me very SAD!!

Any thoughts as to why they are molting now (in Massachusetts) would be greatly appreciated!
AMP

Welcome to BYC!! Some of my chickens, too, would molt in the winter.

 

[Lovely Lettie]

Welcome to BYC and the best of luck with your chicken journey!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to activity on BCY!
It is normal for birds to molt in the fall. Some start later than others. Not eating their normal diet is common. Offer them some canned sardines in water. They can't produce eggs and replace all their feathers at the same time so egg production stopping is also normal.

 

[Boppo]

You know what you need to do:

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC. Some birds just molt later than others. Generally birds that molt when temperatures are dropping refeather quite rapidly.

 

[N F C]

As others have said, molting now is not unusual. With some additional protein, they'll be fine.

Thanks for joining us!