My first experience with molting

[Tangeygirl]

I didn't realize how pathetic the poor girls would look!!! I've done quite a bit of reading and will be treating them to scrambled eggs and tuna to up their protein! Poor girls are gonna freeze their lil booty's off! It's 30 degrees out and they have to molt now?!?!

Marigold, losing all around her neck

Bluebird has lost her beautiful tail feathers, is naked under her wings and belly

This was before the molt...just a month or so ago

I'm sure it's only going to get worse. Every morning when I open the coop I'm amazed at the amount of feathers everywhere!

~Jaime

 

[equinehugger3]

That happened to me! Mine molted for the first time this year, and when I opened the door for the first time, it seemed like there were more feathers than shavings! My little bantam black brahma looked so scrawny... I felt kinda bad too because it's so freezing here, and she's not done growing her feathers back... Your chickens are adorable though! Love them!

 

[dwegg]

I know what you mean...I have three that are motling now...I worry about them also... I didn't realize just how a molt takes so much out of the chickens..they are not themselves during it, no eggs, no talking, no socializing...they just look so miserable..

 

[Ridgerunner]

I understand what you're saying, but molting is more than a way to renew their feathers. It is a way to recharge their bodies internally. Thye are better off after it is over.

 

[Yay Chicks!]

I have two molting now as well...and they are only 8 months old. The Buff O stopped laying well over a month ago. She looks pathetic. One of my EEs just started. I agree that the timing seems really silly giving the falling temps.

 

[Tangeygirl]

Mine are over a year old...we've had them since August. I have no idea if they've gone through a molt before.... they just look ridiculous with no tail feathers!! Glad to know we're not the only ones going through it! I feel like I need to sew them some winter coats!

 

[ranchhand]

I have 16 who are still molting. Might as well start a homegrown pillow factory.

 

[Tangeygirl]

Quote:

I said the same thing and I only have 2 molting. I can't imagine with 16!!!!

 

[fishnet1971]

I am lucky my spring girls and boys havent molted yet. What do you do when they molt with the cold? how to they stay from getting sick in the cold????

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

Poor Babies!