what would cause a partial molt?

[realsis]

My bird went broody ceasing her egg production. After she snapped out of the brood she went into a partial molt. she is not under stress nor is she lacking in nutrition. After she finished the molt about week and half to two weeks she started laying again thank God! I'm wondering why the partial molt why not full molt? Also is this part of a regeneration process triggered by hormones? What do you think? She is well now thank God and laying beautiful eggs again. But what would cause the molt? Thanks for your help!

 

[Judy]

I would guess stress, unless she is under a year old, then it is just a natural thing, as I understand the process. Chickens just don't handle stress or even change well. Things like noisy construction or a new dog barking in the neighborhood, a predator sniffing aorund at night, etc. may be all it takes.

If you haven't ruled them out, you should check for lice/mites. Broodies are particularly prone to them, and all it takes to get them started is a wild bird dropping some into your pen. This will help you identify them, as well as tell how to treat them:

http://ohioline.osu.edu/vme-fact/0018.html