Please help! Why so many feathers in the coop?!

[Lauren1]

I'm new to chicken keeping so really need some help! I went to clean out the coop this morning and realised there was a LOT of loose feathers, I always see the odd few but there was a substantial amount this morning! What does this mean? Thanks guys.

 

[Hholly]

Somebody is probably molting. It's that time of year.

 

[Lauren1]

Do they molt even when they are young? Iv had them a few weeks

 

[Lauren1]

 

[Hholly]

They go through mini molts to get their adult plumage.

 

[Lauren1]

Great, thank you! I'm glad it's nothing to worry about!

 

[Lauren1]

Would this effect laying? :/

 

[Hholly]

How old are they? Yes, molting will stop them from laying. Feeding a high protein diet will help them through it.

 

[Lauren1]

I bought them at point of lay 2 months ago, all have been laying regularly but a few have suddenly stopped :/

 

[Hholly]

Yes, from here on out they will molt every year and not lay while molting. There are certain feeds that are meant to help the process along.