Questions about a January molt

[PaulC]

My wife and I have a small flock of four hens in central Maine, including two Rhode Island Reds that are about a year old. One of the Reds has just started to molt. Is a late-season molt like this unusual? Should we do anything? We're coming out of a January thaw and heading back into cold weather, which can mean sub-zero nighttime temps at times. Our small coop is unheated, but I pile bags of leaves up against the exterior when it's cold, and place horse blankets on the roof. I also add extra bedding when it's very cold. This is our second winter keeping chickens and things have worked out fine so far during the winter months, but we've never had a hen molt this late before. Thanks.

 

[TwoCrows]

Absolutely normal. Most of my girls are about done with their annual molt, however I have two that just recently started, one of them that started the first of the year. Each bird is different.

Great to have you aboard and enjoy BYC!

 

[roostersandhens]

 

[PaulC]

Thanks! That's reassuring.

 

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome to BYC!

We're glad to have you. Its perfectly normal for a chicken to molt at this time of year. Currently, my Rhode Island Red is molting too.

 

[PaulC]

Thanks for the info!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC!

 

[chickie farmer]

I also have 2 Isa browns that are molting this time of year. on their backs and elbows. It does kind of make you wonder. But they are doing fine.

 

[PaulC]

Thanks!

 

[BantamLover21]

Glad you joined us!