- Sep 7, 2010
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My rhode island red is about a year and a half old, she has been a good layer. Our weather for the summer has been clouds almost all summer. My red started to molt a couple of months ago. After awhile, it seemed like the molt was too long for what I thought. She seemed like she was coming out of the molt and had shell less eggs for about a week. Now she hasn't laid eggs in about a month and a half. They get free feed crumbles and oyster shells. their bedding is shavings. She is still free ranging during the day. She seems to have a good appetite. Her comb is bright and stands up straight. I treated her for lice in the beginning of the summer. I have kept a close eye on them for lice but haven't seen anymore symptoms of the lice. She is still losing feathers and looking raggedy. I checked her close tonight and all around her vent and tail and chest area have the feathers missing about an inch from the skin. I read about quills be replaced through the molt process. I notice when I was checking her out that her breast is almost non existent. My friend said she is probably going to die. Other than the all the quills and the small breast she seems fine. I just wish she would quit molting and start laying eggs. Help, I am a first time chicken owner and I have had her since August 2009. Not sure what to do.
