Talk to me about molting!

[unaspenser]

So... without getting into the gory details, I've had chickens before, but never experienced the joys of molting. I bought my adult hens (2 Andalusians and a Dorking) just after their molt last September. The Dorking is still laying, but both the Andalusians' combs have gone pale and there are black feathers everywhere. Last fall they never started laying after their molt, and I didn't get eggs from anybody until March. What should I watch out for as far as the molting process, and what can I do to encourage them to lay ASAP?

 

[Judy]

Here you go:

http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/lvstk2/mf2308.pdf

Nothing you can do but maintain good nutrition and give them ample space.

 

[unaspenser]

thanks for the info.

I'm happy to give my girls a rest while they regrow all those feathers.

 

[sangel4you]

wow, I have been posting for a cpl weeks about the excessive feather loss in my now 17week old leghorns, and was worried but saw no signs of mites or pecking, so i just wanted to say that link has been so helpful! Its good to know its probably normal and probably them approaching maturity! I was wondering tho, do roo's lose their feathers as often too?

 

[Beekissed]

They lose feathers during the molt, right along with the hens, but not nearly as many feathers lost. Mostly cock feathers and a few under the wings and around the tail.

 

[sangel4you]

so is it possible that he would be molting already? I mean I figure the girls are molting because they are getting to laying age, but he's a year old and I didnt think it was cool enough for him to molt yet...it's still in the 80s and 90s here... ?

 

[Beekissed]

Mine start molting when its the hottest weather of the year. Makes sense to me! The bulk of my flock are now 1 year old, including my roo and he is losing his feathers first.

 

[sangel4you]

oh thank you! That makes me feel so much better! Now here's a newbie question... Do the hens lay the first year or no? I am wondering bc they're due to lay any day and I am hoping molting wont hold them up a few months!

 

[unaspenser]

I can already tell a difference in my two Andalusians' combs... how long does the molting process usually take?