Molting question

[PennyM]

We have 5 chickens, three are 9 1/2 months old and the two EEs are 2 weeks younger. We went from 3 to 4 eggs a day to one and that is from one of the EEs. I know why and I'm pretty sure I know who is laying it. Anyhow, that's not my question. The three older girls went through a mini molt earlier but now the two EEs are going through a molt! One looks like she's going through a mini one but the other looks downright skinny! She's losing large feathers, not just downy ones. She has only two tail feathers left! Her head looks kind of shaggy too but there are no bare spots anywhere yet. Is this a regular molt even though she's still young? I checked a couple of day ago for mites/lice but didn't see anything.

Edited to correct 9 1/2 weeks to 9 1/2 months.

 

[Chickassan]

Yeah it's normal, one of mine has grown a tail probably three times since April she's going on nine months. This particular one always looks ratty around the neck and sides when she has one of these molts. No bugs, no dietary problems it's just her.

 

[Mrs. K]

if they are laying at 9 1/2 weeks - that is a miracle?

I am assuming 9.5 months... molting look like they have been seriously neglected and are close to death, dragged through a bush backwards. Except that they are out scratching and eating and drinking and doing fine. In another two months mine will look like brand new chickens and the eggs will be coming.

 

[Chickassan]

Nice description, you nailed it!

if they are laying at 9 1/2 weeks - that is a miracle?

I am assuming 9.5 months... molting look like they have been seriously neglected and are close to death, dragged through a bush backwards. Except that they are out scratching and eating and drinking and doing fine. In another two months mine will look like brand new chickens and the eggs will be coming.