Spring Molt?

[Piglet835]

I've had my chickens since last June. Everyone has been safe, happy and healthy so far and I've been thoroughly entertained. Recently I've noticed one of the girls is experiencing some feather loss on her back. Today I noticed another one. Egg production has went down. Could they be having a spring time molt?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Do you have a rooster? Sounds like it's from mating.

 

[Piglet835]

Yes I do. If it's from mating though why hasn't it happened sooner? I know they were "active" last summer and all though the winter.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

In spring roosters mate more often. My hens are starting to get a bit of wear too.

 

[aart]

OHLD has made some good points.

I'll add that their feathers are older and so may be more likely to break when tread.

How old are your birds?
Did your birds lay all winter?
Did you use supplemental lighting over the winter?