Molting Question...........

[Mourningdove]

How many times will a year will a hen molt? How many eggs get laid before a hen will molt?

 

[tim_TX]

Pullets will usually lay continuously for 13 moths from the point of lay before undergoing a full moult. They may have several mini moults during that time though. The number of eggs laid varies by breed and genetics. Once mature, a hen will usually moult once per year, beginning anytime between late summer and late fall. During a full moult, the hen will cease laying altogether. You will notice color coming back to her cheeks, beak, shanks, etc.... in addition to the replenishing of feathers.

 

[Mourningdove]

Thank you so much you have answered my questions! See my hens resumed laying the end of Dec and I have gotten up to 9 eggs out of 12 hens in a day, now I am lucky if I get 4 or 5 and am seeing feathers around and my roosters driving them nuts. Just wondered if that could be going on or if the nicer weather is making them lazey