Molting

[labuck]

I am somewhat new at this chicken raising business and have done some readying but I need some help. Our three Rhode Island Reds are about a year old. Within the last 6 months they have gone through 2 molts (still not laying after 2 months into the second molt. Same food, same water, same coop, no drastic weather changes. Anybody have any ideas? We need eggs!!!

 

[dawg53]

Hmmmm,sounds strange that your RIR's would go through 2 molts in 6 months. I suppose one couldve been a mini molt, then the big molt. It sometimes takes several months to get all their feathers back and they wont lay any eggs. Have you done an inspection looking for lice/mites,especially around the vent area? Under their wings etc... ? My chickens have never had 2 molts in 6 months.They usually go into molt once a year,usually around fall, prior to winter. But I have had them molt at different times of the year.

 

[labuck]

Thanks for the info...they did start their first molt last fall and it lasted a couple of months. We got eggs for a few months, then bang! nothing again for the last 2 months. I will check for lice/mites; they seem VERY happy and energetic, eating very well, full of energy. Hope they snap out of it soon.