What ages do chicks molt

[Viking Queen]

I have 16 wk old bantam EEs and RIRs that are dropping what appears to be tail feathers everyhee in their run. I have 10 birds in a 10'X10' run so they are not crowded. Is this a normal chick molt? First time with chickens.

 

[RevlisRemmah]

I have 15 pullets that are 15 weeks and it always looks like a chicken got attacked in the run with the amount of feathers they drop. I always thought it was juvenile molting as they grew into their feathers since they are otherwise healthy and happy- but would love to hear if that’s actually true!!!

 

[M-H-Fielding]

Sounds a bit like a molt to me. I'm not an expert on this subject, but it should be a molt.

 

[Viking Queen]

Mine are coming up on 16 weeks and we are experiencing the same thing. Tail feathers everywhere! What gives?

 

[Viking Queen]

Do they also loose feathers in the front of their necks. I've checked for mites and such but nothing. One had a bald spot and has new feathers coming in but they are a totally different color. Is tjis normal? I'm new to chickens.

 

[black_cat]

Do they also loose feathers in the front of their necks. I've checked for mites and such but nothing. One had a bald spot and has new feathers coming in but they are a totally different color. Is tjis normal? I'm new to chickens.

I think that it is just chicks growing. They lose a lot of feathers and grow new ones as they grow. When they reach adulthood, it evens out. Their first real molt is after they're a year old.

 

[jolenesdad]

There’s a final molt from chick to adult feathers at 12-16 weeks.

 

[jolenesdad]

Do they also loose feathers in the front of their necks. I've checked for mites and such but nothing. One had a bald spot and has new feathers coming in but they are a totally different color. Is tjis normal? I'm new to chickens.

That one might be a boy....


what breed?