Molting...what to expect??

[Giddyup]

I've been through a couple now and didn't worry about it. But, having just lost my roo I'm questioning everything!

I know they stop laying....but is it normal for them to lose weight? Do some just look worse than others? I assume if it takes particularly long that it's a sign something else is wrong?

A couple of my hens seem to have lightened up. I only have 2 laying still and not sure who it is. Seem healthy otherwise but thought i would check?

 

[FarmGirl21]

Our laying hens & roo lost a little weight, not much though...we have one hen in particular that looks horrible...shes got little pokey pin feathers Everywhere!! she's rather scary, nasty & creepy looking, lol.

 

[Pumpkinpup]

Some seem to deal with moulting better than others. Some just look terrible and lose weight as well as feathers.

 

[Jolyn]

Ok dumb questions...

So why do they molt? When do they molt? Is it in the winter when they don't lay as much???

 

[sussexgal]

Joy,

One of my girls just went thru a terrible molt. Up their protein.... 30% is what I have read in regards to molting chickens. She has been molting for what seems like forever..... between starting to loose feathers to regrowing it's been more than a month. And she's not done..... She also lost a ton of weight. I have her separated still and am feeding her an all she can eat buffet. Why they molt? I don't know - it's a bird thing.