When is a Pullet's first molting?

[Samilitant]

I have 4 EE's and 2 BR's that are just over 22 weeks old, no eggs yet, and they seem to be grooming themselves lately and looking fluffier than usual. There are just a few feathers around, no more than normal, so I wouldn't think they are molting, but since the weather is getting cool now I didn't know if that would spark the molting or not? Also wouldn't that mean no eggs for another few weeks if they are going to molt?

 

[goochgirl]

My EE was hatched around the 1st of May and has already molted.

 

[cybercat]

You will not get a major moult till this time next year. They will do minor moulting but that will not effect their laying. The minor moulting is done a little over the whole first year. Like what you are seeing a few feathers. Get them set up with a dust bath and it will help them alot.

 

[GwenDellAnno]

I don't think you'll get much in the way of molting in their first year. I didn't. (I have 8 hens that are now in their second summer/fall and are molting... although not heavily). And I'm still getting some egg production.

OOPs! cybercat beat me to the punch.

 

[Ady Road Chicks]

How long does a molt last?

 

[chickenbottom]

ide say about 3 months that seems to be how long all my girls molts have lasted, but it can be longer or shorter.