To Moult or Not...that is the Question

[2DogsFarm]

Of my 5 hens, the Houdan did a fast full moult just after she stopped being broody at the end of August.
I swear she dropped 90% of her feathers & regrew them in a week!
The Good News is she regrew her topknot that had been pecked out over last Winter by her flockmates.
Interestingly, her new coat has much more white in the mottling - I had read this happens as they age, called "becoming gayer"

About a week ago one of my Delawares began a slow moult - she looks like heck but is covered with new quills.

The others - another Delaware & 2 Black Stars - do not seem to be moulting at all.

Can I expect a Feather Explosion from the 3 holdouts anytime soon?

Egg production is down to 2-3/day - Houdan has not started laying again & I suspect the baldy Delaware has stopped as well.

If I have to buy eggs I am gonna be one Unhappy Camper

 

[midget_farms]

They may not molt at all - or they could only partially molt.

Most of mine are molting now - but they have only lost a few feathers by their tails.

No one can really predict the timing or severity of a molt. Just have to play it by ear.