When do Rhode Island Red & New Hampshire Red Chickens Molt

[pirtykitty]

I have two rhode island red chickens and one new hamshire red chicken.. they were hatched around march 19th of this year... When will they have their first full molt and how long will it last. and how long before they start laying again...

 

[Fred's Hens]

They aren't likely to have a full blown moult this year. That said, chickens go through many moults during the course of a year and a half. You just don't really notice as much. The fall of their second year typically is when you'll see a more serious moult.

 

[ChicKat]

I've heard that the shortened daylight triggers the molt. I also have heard that they usually don't molt until 1-year old.

I have two pullets that just started laying this spring, so they will probably be 1-yr in Nov. or so. They show no signs of molting. My other chicken is molting, sort of, but she hasn't stopped laying (bless her heart). I don't know her age. If some pictures would help, you can go to my BYC page to the 'jottings' and see some picts of her head. The head area is supposed to be the first area that looses feathers, and the tail feathers are the last to be replaced.

 

[pirtykitty]

How many years will they lay after their first serious molt... Hubby says we'll have to eat them when they stop laying...

 

[Pele]

Regardless of the color of the chicken, molt usually happens whenever you were counting on needing eggs the most

 

[ChicKat]

Quote:
Quality of and size of eggs increases after their molt, and older chickens are less likely to get diseases. the number of eggs will probably begin to decrease.

How many years they will lay, and what that rate will be depends on the breed. Back in the time of our great-great grandparetns, chicken stew was the fate of a non-layer.

Good luck with your chickens.

 

[pirtykitty]

Thank you every one for your input... Hoping I can keep the chickens for at least 2 to 3 years before they have to go... I understand about our great grandparents eating the non layers.. But my way of thinking is they are serving us well by laying eggs, and also bug controg and entertainment... if we do have to put them in freezer camp in a couple years hopefully I can keep one that shows broody tendencies to hatch or raise the next batch of chicks and teach them.. I guess I just get too attached to animals..