Molting....

[tenderkat]

Just out of curiosity, is there a predictable age when chickens experience their first 'adult' molt? My girls are just over 9 months old, and I'm a bit concerned if they will molt in the dead of winter. It has been so cold here lately. I've read conflicting info, so I want to be prepared. Also, after their first molt, are their regular intervals in between each subsequent molt?

 

[Chicky Tocks]

I have four Buff Orpingtons and 2 ee hens that are about 15 months old that have all, everyone just come into their first molt. They're ugly and they look cold to me, the bottom of the run is covered in shed feathers. I've considered crocheting some little sweaters for them.