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what is molting? And can it happen before they even start laying?

Discussion in 'Managing Your Flock' started by j-me, Nov 9, 2009.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Nov 9, 2009 #1
    j-me

    j-me Out Of The Brooder

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    Jun 17, 2009
    West Michigan
    I have 4orps and 4slw they are 28 weeks today.
    We are getting 1 egg a day and there are 2 hens with big bright red wattles. And I know any day we should be getting more eggs.
    Today I went to give them some cracked corn and noticed one of my SLW had a patch of feather missing near her tail. What's up? It this molting? And can they molt before they lay?

    We added a light in the coop for 4a.m.-8a.m. to add some daylight to maybe get them to lay.

    I am getting inpatient...

    HELP
     
  3. Nov 9, 2009 #2
    Chickenmaven

    Chickenmaven Chillin' With My Peeps

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    I would guess that you have a rooster that has taken interest in this one hen...
     
  5. Nov 9, 2009 #3
    j-me

    j-me Out Of The Brooder

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    Jun 17, 2009
    West Michigan
    NO rooster!

    Hey, I am in Grand haven... where are you..?
    Fellow michigander
     
  7. Nov 9, 2009 #4
    Ridgerunner

    Ridgerunner Chicken Obsessed

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  9. Nov 9, 2009 #5
    patandchickens

    patandchickens Flock Mistress

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    Ontario, Canada
    That seems much too old to me for a juvenile molt; be worth keeping a CLOSE eye on them for any indications of picking...

    GOod luck, have fun,

    Pat
     
  11. Nov 9, 2009 #6
    juliawitt

    juliawitt Chillin' With My Peeps

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    I was very glad to read those articles. My little girls are around 12 weeks old and I have feathers everywhere. There is no pecking....everyone seems to be happy with everybody. I was getting worried about all those feathers laying around. No eating of feathers and no bald patches, just alot of loose feathers laying around. I have been giving yougurt, cheese and a little bit of catfood for protein in addition to their pellets...I'm just not going to worry now.
     

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