Pullet molting?

[pineapple416]

Kiwi, my 9 month old Buff Orpington cross, appears to be molting? All of are chickens usually molt when they are a year old or older so I thought it was a little odd. Other than losing feathers and a paler comb, she seems very healthy and normal. Is she molting or is it something else? Also, when do chickens usually molt? Thank you.

Kiwi about a month ago

Kiwi about a month ago

Kiwi today

Kiwi today

 

[emma p]

Hello! It looks like Kiwi is growing feathers back in so she was probably just molting. They normally molt in the fall.


Also, are your sure on gender of Kiwi? Just looks a little suspiciously in between boy and girl. Probably just me, the large comb just through me off i guess.

 

[pineapple416]

We thought she might be a male when she was younger, but she lays eggs and does not crow or have spurs. We are pretty sure she is a New Hampshire Red Orpington cross, but she does have a huge comb! Thankyou

 

[Happy Chooks]

Yes, depending on the time of year they hatched, pullets can molt their first year. I have several pullets molting now.

 

[pineapple416]

Thanks, good to know

 

[LoveThemBirds]

You can tell your hen is a pullet.

She has no sickle,or saddle feathers