When should I expect 1st molt?

[Happy Chooks]

See here for helpful information on molting:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/580915/for-the-new-folks-that-havent-experienced-a-molt-yet/0_50

 

[centrarchid]

Power Point
https://web.extension.illinois.edu/lms/downloads/60526.pdf

 

[mountainbunny]

Thanks for the helpful links. Not looking forward to molting but I want to be ready!

 

[ChicknSue]

My speckled sussex - the worst layer of my flock - started molting at 13 months - is that possible? I read it usually happens at 18 months for the 1st molt. No eggs for 4 weeks now... how long will that last?- I think I read it can last up to 4 months. Is that accurate?

 

[aart]

My speckled sussex - the worst layer of my flock - started molting at 13 months - is that possible? I read it usually happens at 18 months for the 1st molt.

First adult molt happens during their second fall/winter.
13 months may be a bit early, but time of year matters more than exact age.

No eggs for 4 weeks now... how long will that last?- I think I read it can last up to 4 months. Is that accurate?

It can be, yes.

 

[ChicknSue]

First adult molt happens during their second fall/winter.
13 months may be a bit early, but time of year matters more than exact age.


It can be, yes.

Thank you so much. It is their second fall. They were born the first week of September last year. Four are still laying and 3 of those are just now starting to molt, I realized today. The GB doesn't appear to have started molting and still lays every day. At first I thought there was something wrong with the SS because it's been so long without an egg and she's always been the only one that was anxious about laying. She's eating and they're all healthy - so I guess all this is just natural. Thank you again.