<sigh> I know it's normal. But it seems so stressful and awful. What is the purpose? It seems that it would make more sense if they lost a few feathers at a time year-round, replacing them as they lost them (sort of the way dogs shed year-round). As it is, they can't fly well (i.e., even less well then normal, which isn't great!), they act all stressed out, they don't lay, they don't eat as well, etc.
Also, does anyone know why they do it at random times of year? B/c last year Clarice moulted in LATE OCTOBER
, which just about gave me a heart attack. It was cold and she was so nekkid that I could see her little arm bones! Since she's the Boss Hen From Hell, there was no way I would be able to get a chicken sweater on her, even if such things existed (and yes, I DID consider trying to get a dog sweater on her
). But why in the WORLD would Mother Nature tell her to get nekkid just when it's getting cold??
Svetlana is currently moulting and she looks awful. Yesterday she refused to come down from the roost until I finally went in there and got her down around 2 p.m. Then she came out and ate and drank. It's in the 90s--now is NOT a good time to stay in a hot building and refuse to DRINK!!!
Mostly this is a rant, LOL. But I really WOULD appreciate any info, if anyone has any, on GOOD reasons for moulting? B/c I don't see any!
Also, does anyone know why they do it at random times of year? B/c last year Clarice moulted in LATE OCTOBER
Svetlana is currently moulting and she looks awful. Yesterday she refused to come down from the roost until I finally went in there and got her down around 2 p.m. Then she came out and ate and drank. It's in the 90s--now is NOT a good time to stay in a hot building and refuse to DRINK!!!
Mostly this is a rant, LOL. But I really WOULD appreciate any info, if anyone has any, on GOOD reasons for moulting? B/c I don't see any!
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