Will hens hatched in Feb, Mar and Jun molt this fall?

[Arielle]

Sorry, I'm still learning and I know this BYC group are the people to ask!

My hens are experiencing their first fall. THeir ages vary from hatching in early Feb to Jun, not counting those hatched last week of course. LOL

I've noticed a decrease in egg production, so DH put in a 40 watt bulb on a timertonight for one coop ( have 2 coops). THis should keep the egg production up but does it also prevent molt? Can I time the molt and the time of no eggs to stagger the 2 coops by controlling the artificial light?

 

[teach1rusl]

They shouldn't molt their first year. The only exception I've had to this was a bird who molted after she was done being broody, but I believe that was due to her poor nutrition and/or stress during her broody period. I don't think a light will affect anything...

And we're ALL still learning...