When do chickens molt?

[tsmarr]

My leghorn started molting bit stop laying eggs, is that normal?

 

[tsmarr]

Sorry suppose to say but not bit

 

[jstlitlome]

May I add a question to this? I have an 8 month old easter egger who suddenly stopped laying about a week ago. I've been watching for signs of molting, but all I see are some white tips to her cheek feathers and I saw one feather fall out yesterday. Other than that, she still looks great. Could this be a very light molt? Would it be normal to stop laying with such a light molt?

 

[jtakacs]

From everything I've been reading it is molting time and coupled with shorter days it could be the end of eggs until spring.

I'm in the same boat. Two just out of molting hens and two pullets that are too young...

I just added light but I think I'm scraping it... I'll just be patient.

 

[Happy Chooks]

My leghorn started molting bit stop laying eggs, is that normal?

Yes. Feathers are mostly protein (as are eggs). To grow in their new feathers, they need all their protein stores, and as such, cannot lay eggs too. You can help by increasing their protein during this time. Once all the feathers come back in, then they need to get their body weight to a healthy level before they can resume laying.

May I add a question to this? I have an 8 month old easter egger who suddenly stopped laying about a week ago. I've been watching for signs of molting, but all I see are some white tips to her cheek feathers and I saw one feather fall out yesterday. Other than that, she still looks great. Could this be a very light molt? Would it be normal to stop laying with such a light molt?

Sounds like she is going through a minor molt. And yes, it's normal for them to stop laying when this occurs. I have 3 welsummers that are 9 months old that quit on me too.

 

[jstlitlome]

Yes. Feathers are mostly protein (as are eggs). To grow in their new feathers, they need all their protein stores, and as such, cannot lay eggs too. You can help by increasing their protein during this time. Once all the feathers come back in, then they need to get their body weight to a healthy level before they can resume laying.

Sounds like she is going through a minor molt. And yes, it's normal for them to stop laying when this occurs. I have 3 welsummers that are 9 months old that quit on me too.

Thanks so much! I sure miss the blue eggs mixed in with the brown!

I gave them some eggs in their morning treat for added protein. Maybe that will help!

 

[chickenlily13]

When they start losing neck feathers will they also lose all the rest of their feathers?

 

[Happy Chooks]

When they start losing neck feathers will they also lose all the rest of their feathers?

Yes. Some will lose them gradually, and others will lose them all at once.

 

[BigRedChickie]

So, how long does it generally take to moult, grow feathers back, and resume laying?

 

[Happy Chooks]

So, how long does it generally take to moult, grow feathers back, and resume laying?

It depends on the hen and how much the molt takes out of her. (body weight wise) Anywhere from 2-5 months.