Molting

[Edin]

I am in my first year of chickens and I’m wondering what to expect this fall. My chicks are 11 weeks old and doing well. Can I expect them to molt in there first year? If so when? Is it likely if they start laying in August/September that they will continue through fall or take a break. They are a mixed flock wellsummer, lavender orphington, blue Cochin, Americauna, and a barred rock rooster who all live together in one coop.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It is highly unlikely that 11 week old chicks at the end of July will molt before next fall.
What you can expect is a delay in onset of lay since they will reach POL well after summer solstice when daily light period is decreasing rather dramatically. I wouldn't expect eggs before October, if then.
What you can do is be prepared to add light to the coop. around October 1. Start the light a half hour before dawn and increase the light period by having the light come on a half hour earlier each week. Wait till you start incrementing light before you switch to layer feed. Or better yet, since you have a rooster, don't switch and just provide oyster shell in a separate ccontainer.

 

[Edin]

Thank you for the great advice!

 

[aart]

At 11 weeks they may/probably have one more juvenile molt to go thru.