when does the first molt occur?

[superchemicalgirl]

I know most chickens molt in fall. If my chicks were born in spring (mid-April) will they molt this fall or next fall?
Seems like an awful waste for them to molt this fall considering they're still growing in feathers.

 

[Pet Duck Boy]

I heard chickens molt whenever they need to, whether that be fall, spring, winter, or summer.

 

[Evermore Ranch]

most all of ours are molting right now. Chickens pheasants and waterfowl. we are having to clean up lots of feathers daily. I have several walking around now looking like pinhead from hell raiser

 

[sreihart]

Along that same line, does the entire flock molt at the same time or is it more of an individual thing?

 

[they'reHISchickens]

Mine were very individual , but I have different breeds. I did notice that they seem to act a little crazy for 24-36 hours before the feathers drop!

 

[Thousand Oaks Family]

I have one molting right now. I guess fall is just the most common.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

At what age are these molts occurring?

 

[friedeggs]

saw this posting and hoping Im not stealing it. But has anyone ever seen a bird in continuous molt? I mean 7 months straight?. Bird started @ her 1 year molt over the winter and with the conclusion of being shown twice a month for several months. First thought I had stressed her with showing and then the one year came up. Thinking it would just be a more lengthy longer harder molt. But as of now its been 7 months. She's w/o mites has been wormed and is in good weight. and on premium diet with vitamins. no other birds showing this.
Sorry if I have hiested this posting

 

[CCFarms9559]

I am new to raising chickens - I have 14 hens and 1 roo. Got them at the end of March. They are not laying yet - but the roo has matured and is VERY attentive. I am seeing feathers on the ground of my chicken pen. I'm not sure if they are molting or if the roo is pulling them out. Do I ignore it? No one looks like they are missing feathers or have bald spots. I'm just very new to this.

 

[Andi]

For chickens born in the Spring, the first Autumn some will have a light molting and then their first full blown molt the following Autumn. Now I say Autumn, but I've heard of molts happening anywhere from starting mid/late Summer into early Winter. Big stresses can trigger molts.

Feather plucking is a possibility. Feather plucking happens when birds are at too high of densities and when they are lacking enough protein in their diets. Some feather plucking often happens when the flock is determining a 'pecking order' to see who's top chicken. Feather plucking is sometimes a behavioral issue, but it can also happen if the bird getting plucked is sick or weak. Sit back and observe your flock so you can determine when its happening, who's doing it and who's getting plucked. Sorry, I know having to take more time to watch your chickens is a horrible thing to have to do.

I know the first time I started seeing feathers all over it freaked me out, but all turned out good. Besides, it was interesting learning about it on here.

Friedeggs, sorry, but I don't know about a 7 month molt. Doesn't sound normal to me. I'd consider consulting a vet if I were you. Best of luck!