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KDOGG331 said:
Yeah, that's what I thought but I guess it can change per molt and bird maybe. But yeah, mine always look rough.



Thanks, yeah, that's the weird thing. I've had them since October 2015 so it'll be 3 years in October and I normally always recognize a molt and I don't freak out when I see them half naked or anything like that but I don't ever remember them molting in the summer before and all signs this time seemed to point to predator with it being so sudden, tge bare wings, dog freaking out, etc. And I do have some security concerns I need to take care of. BUT. Upon closer examination, it turns out there ARE pin feathers coming in so I guess I was wrong. She was also a lot easier to catch than I expected lol that said, 2 of them look empty? Like where she lost a feather and there should be a new shaft, it's empty/a hole, is that normal?

Anyway, I guess it turns out that I am the one that does not know chickens after all... but again, usually can always tell and all signs were leading the other direction lol

Can they start molting under stress or heat? It's been very hot lately. And maybe something did come by.

Can they also start molting earlier as they get older? Because again I never remember it so early.

My girls usually start in the fall, September or October, sometimes even November, and they usually synchronize and all seem to molt at once. Or at least 2 at a time.

They're usually done pretty quickly too but last year Bunny (the bird in question) stopped laying late summer and didn't start again until spring. So maybe this is usual for her. Idk. The other girls started molting a bit later in the fall. Which I guess is why it caught me off guard. I guess Bunny is a bit of a slacker ha the other EE is an excellent layer even in winter or at least stops the latest, starts the earliest.
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The older they are, the harder they molt! It makes perfect sense that this would happen.

Expect more feathers too
 
ronott1 said:
The older they are, the harder they molt! It makes perfect sense that this would happen.

Expect more feathers too
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I'm really relieved that it is just a molt! I thought for sure something got her lol

And oh yes, I am expecting an explosion lol I actually have been noticing a lot of feathers outside the run lately, not nearly as many as this, but just like random dropped feathers, I wonder if the other birds are slowly molting too? I think they were orange Orpington feathers. I never thought anything of it till I just realized Bunny is molting.

Oh and speaking of the food, I am actually already feeding them a higher than normal protein layer feed. I am feeding Poulin Egg Production Plus which is 18% protein, the same as Feather Fixer. I prefer a higher protein feed because sometimes I give treats so it doesn't lower the overall ratio to too low protein. Although I haven't given many treats lately and they haven't free ranged because I don't want them destroying my garden haha need to get a fence up.

Anyway, I may give them some tuna, cat food, or scrambled eggs though for a bit extra protein.
 
KDOGG331 said:
I'm really relieved that it is just a molt! I thought for sure something got her lol

And oh yes, I am expecting an explosion lol I actually have been noticing a lot of feathers outside the run lately, not nearly as many as this, but just like random dropped feathers, I wonder if the other birds are slowly molting too? I think they were orange Orpington feathers. I never thought anything of it till I just realized Bunny is molting.

Oh and speaking of the food, I am actually already feeding them a higher than normal protein layer feed. I am feeding Poulin Egg Production Plus which is 18% protein, the same as Feather Fixer. I prefer a higher protein feed because sometimes I give treats so it doesn't lower the overall ratio to too low protein. Although I haven't given many treats lately and they haven't free ranged because I don't want them destroying my garden haha need to get a fence up.

Anyway, I may give them some tuna, cat food, or scrambled eggs though for a bit extra protein.
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They will get over their molt quickly with the good nutrition.
 
KDOGG331 said:
Thanks! I hope molting is all it is! I just thought it was weird that no other chickens are molting, the wings have bare spots (can see it better in the vid), and I don't see any pin feathers coming in? And that it's her whole body. I thought molting started in one spot first?? Although she has been looking raggedy on her chin. But it's so sudden, yesterday she was fine and not missing so many. Idk. It's all very weird. I do think I will check her over just to be sure. Isn't it a little early for molting??
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I have one molting and I have had them lose a lot of feathers overnight.
 
KD, Lots of my turkey friends are seeing birds go into early molts this year... As for upping protein, Canned Salmon and Mackerel are better choices for vitamins, proteins and omega's... Eggs are only 12% protein, but they have the perfect balance of amino acids to help a bird take in extra goodies. Canned tuna in oil is ok, but doesn't pack the same punch as the other two types of fish. Oh, and yes, give them the juices along with the fish. BTW, cheap canned pink salmon is better for them than the expensive stuff. Oh, and I'm not a fan of cat food (unless a last resort) due to salt content. Same with Tuna in water, too much salt. Another high vitamin, packed with protein and goodness, but considered gross by most is raw beef or pork (any four legged critter) liver. It's also loaded with Iron.
 
rjohns39 said:
KD, Lots of my turkey friends are seeing birds go into early molts this year... As for upping protein, Canned Salmon and Mackerel are better choices for vitamins, proteins and omega's... Eggs are only 12% protein, but they have the perfect balance of amino acids to help a bird take in extra goodies. Canned tuna in oil is ok, but doesn't pack the same punch as the other two types of fish. Oh, and yes, give them the juices along with the fish. BTW, cheap canned pink salmon is better for them than the expensive stuff. Oh, and I'm not a fan of cat food (unless a last resort) due to salt content. Same with Tuna in water, too much salt. Another high vitamin, packed with protein and goodness, but considered gross by most is raw beef or pork (any four legged critter) liver. It's also loaded with Iron.
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Thanks for all the suggestions! I think I've actually given them some of the canned fishes before and they loved them. I just figured canned tuna because I thought we had some but we just ran out so I am actually at the store buying canned fish for them. They are spoiled lol but getting some stuff for us too. Eggs, I figured we always have extra of their own eggs fed back to them, free ha and I recently found out canned tuna has soy, salt, and other gross stuff. I love tuna with mayo (tuna salad?) But that sounds unhealthy. I do wonder if there is an alternative. Sorry, not chicken related, I know but since we're on the subject of canned fish. I will try liver too. Cat and dog won't eat it. Though Gator will eat beef heart.
 
Totally off topic, but then I usually am. THIS is the secret to Kendra’s success. She always want to do it herself, sometimes with unintended consequences, but I can guarantee that tomorrow she’ll try again and keep trying until she masters that door! Try to catch the giggle as she realizes that she finally got it unlatched, but then BOOM!

 
Blooie said:
Totally off topic, but then I usually am. THIS is the secret to Kendra’s success. She always want to do it herself, sometimes with unintended consequences, but I can guarantee that tomorrow she’ll try again and keep trying until she masters that door! Try to catch the giggle as she realizes that she finally got it unlatched, but then BOOM!

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Aww I love how she keeps trying and trying! And she doesn't even seem to be phased too much by being knocked down!
 

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