Moulting

[oldchickenlady]

Do chickens moult their first year? Do they moult every year? My grandmother always had chickens but I dont remember about moulting. Thanks for any info.

 

[emys]

The chick goes through one complete and three partial moults during its growth to point of lay. Generally, complete moulting occurs from 1-6 weeks of age, and partial moulting at 7-9 weeks, 12-16 weeks and 20-22 weeks. During this final moult, the stiff tail feathers grow.
The laying hen

Mature birds normally undergo one complete moult a year, usually in autumn. However, this can depend on the time of the year that the bird started laying. Natural moulting usually begins sometime during March or April and should be completed by July when egg production recommences. The three main factors that bring about moulting are:

* physical exhaustion and fatigue
* completion of the laying cycle (as birds lay eggs for a certain period of time)
* reduction of the day length, resulting in reduced feeding time and consequent loss of body weight.

taken from: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/27_2709.htm


(When reading the rest of the article keep in mind it is geared towards production houses of all the same age and breed bird. This is very different from most backyard flocks of various breeds and various ages.)​

 

[sreihart]

Hmm... my birds will be 17 weeks old tomorrow. Is this why I'm finding my yard full of feathers? I don't mean to sound stupid, but they look like normal chickens with the exception of a few loose feathers. Is this what you mean by a partial molt?

 

[CathyRN]

I had read somewhere that if birds molt too early they will be less productive layers, but I don't remember what that source was. My 8 girls are 6.5 months old and haven't had a big molt yet, although I remember about 2 months ago I found tons of fuzzy feathers everywhere. Guess they were going through their "mini molt " !!! LOL

 

[oldchickenlady]

Thanks everyone. I just waited so long for them to get to looking like something besides a little ragamuffin. Those little fluff feathers sticking through the 'big chicken' feathers looked so weird! They look less like gawky teenage birds and more like young adult birds. Still waiting on my second egg!

 

[CAjerseychick]

I know this is an old thread, but so relevant! My birds just completed their 9 and 13th weeks respectively (all Jersey Giants) and I was wondering why the yard was SOOOO full of loose feathers (I did repeated head counts to make sure one wasnt missing, I thought they were being attacked, but they were so relaxed...)....It is autumn, I guess they just moulting... Very helpful....