Why do my two, 2 yo chickens suddenly look so old?

[thewhimsicalflock]

I have two OG chickens, a prairie bluebell and a production red. They joined us as babies in October of 2022. Last year, we lost two of our original four and then increased our flock to 11 total birds. We brought more in in January (we have a few acres) so we now have 22 chickens, 7 ducks, and, 2 turkeys, and 2 Gunieau fowl (we just lost one to our LGDs today, utterly heartbroken). Anyways, I only mention this because the rest of the flock looks good… but our two OG hens suddenly look so old. The last picture was taken in January and the two others were taken yesterday.

I read these girls should live between 5-8 years so what is going on? I LOVE my production red. She’s feisty and funny and brave. My bluebell is shy but she’s a good bird.

Is this normal at 2? I would think they were ill, but all of my other birds are fine. Please help, I don’t want to lose my girls.

 

[GodLovesU]

Are they molting?

 

[sourland]

It looks as if they may be going into a normal molt.

 

[thewhimsicalflock]

Are they molting?

My husband asked this. They never have. None of the other birds are so I have no idea. What would I look for?

 

[thewhimsicalflock]

It looks as if they may be going into a normal molt.

Is there a reason they would molt when the other birds aren’t? Just age?

 

[GodLovesU]

My husband asked this. They never have. None of the other birds are so I have no idea. What would I look for?

Them losing feathers and less egg laying.

 

[thewhimsicalflock]

Them losing feathers and less egg laying.

We are getting fewer eggs!!! Oh I pray that’s all this is. I love my girls, I want them to be Ok.

 

[Yardmom]

Hens typically do a full adult molt after their 2nd summer (age 18 months or so). Pullets (under 1 year) have been having juvenile molts as they grow that are not as noticeable.

 

[Kiki]

They don't look old to me. They look like they are molting.

 

[CoopBoots]

Hens typically do a full adult molt after their 2nd summer (age 18 months or so). Pullets (under 1 year) have been having juvenile molts as they grow that are not as noticeable.

Exactly. I'd check for external parasites just to be safe (lice, mites) but it's normal for them to stop laying and look a little ragged and less energetic when molting. When you examine them you'll probably see lots of pin feathers trying to grow in, too. It's a tough couple of months--they get tired and cranky and sit around more--but it passes. A little extra protein wouldn't hurt as they use a lot to make their new feathers.