MOLTING

[shmeggs]

My older hens are missing feathers and not so pretty right now. im not sure what the molt looks like, we wondering if they in molt or the rooster after them too much.

 

[iwiw60]

Here's a very informational page:

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/search?q=molt

 

[azygous]

One way to distinguish between molt and feathers that have been broken and damaged is to look closely at the skin in the bald areas. If you see what appears to be a "pin cushion" of closely spaced and very numerous emerging pin feathers, you probably have molt. If the areas are largely naked and feathers are broken off without the outer parts or pin feathers lined up like little soldiers, you have rough treatment going on.

My flock has always molted in the fall, but for some reason, my three Brahmas are going through a summer molt. Very strange.