Moltung time?

[mountainbunny]

My hens, now just over 2 years old, went through thror first adult/ full milt last year. If I remember correctly they didn't start molting until late September, early October. This year it appears they have already started molting. For the last few weeks I've noticed a few feathers on the ground each day and egg production has slowed way down. I live in Central Arkansas, and it's been a much hotter than normal summer though I'm not sure if tempature have any effect on moltung.So is it abnormal that they would star molting a month earlier than last year?

 

[mountainbunny]

PS Sorry for all the misspellings, I can't find the edit button on my phone!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

It is not unusual. Several of my chickens have started already as well.....

 

[mountainbunny]

Thank you for the reply. I figured it was OK, Just thought I would get some opinions+. Guess I will start them on Feather Fixer pellets when their current bag of feed runs out.

 

[ShellyBlanco]

Thank you for the reply. I figured it was OK, Just thought I would get some opinions+. Guess I will start them on Feather Fixer pellets when their current bag of feed runs out.

I wouldn't wait. Go ahead and get the bag and mix it in.

 

[mountainbunny]

I've only got a few weeks of feed left in this bag.... But I'll go ahead and pick up the Feather Fixer this week. Thanks!

 

[N F C]

In case you haven't seen it yet, this contest is going on...might want to get a couple of photos submitted when they're looking their "worst"!
Official BYC Contest - Post your best (worst) chicken molt pics!

 

[mountainbunny]

Thanks! My girls didn't look too ragged last year although they had a lot of rooster damage at the time. We will see how the molt goes this year!

In case you haven't seen it yet, this contest is going on...might want to get a couple of photos submitted when they're looking their "worst"!
Official BYC Contest - Post your best (worst) chicken molt pics!

 

[aart]

Yes, yes it is molting time!
2 eggs yesterday(12 hens) and lots of feathers on the roost board this morning.

Try a flock raiser or all flock type of feed instead of feather fixer,
something with ~1% calcium and ~20% protein.

 

[mountainbunny]

Thanks. I'll look at the all flock raiser. I've only got my hens now. Rooster went to rooster heaven last fall after attacking and drawing blood from an elderly friend of mine. If I remember correctly Feather Fixer had 20% protein. It's what I used last year, but I will look at the other options you suggested.