Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: chasechicken on October 08, 2010, 14:04

Title: Is moulting at this time of year normal?
Post by: chasechicken on October 08, 2010, 14:04

Hi,

One of our old ex-batts (our only in fact) appears to be moulting at the moment.  Loose feathers everywhere!  Just wondering if it IS likely to be a moult or if I should be looking for another cause.  She seems ok within herself although perhaps a little more lethargic than usual (probably in my head though).

Any thoughts appreciated :-)

D

Title: Re: Is moulting at this time of year normal?
Post by: jamima on October 08, 2010, 14:06

I've also got one moulting.

Title: Re: Is moulting at this time of year normal?
Post by: chasechicken on October 08, 2010, 14:09

Ok so I'm not the only one, that's something :-)

It's weird - she's never moulted before in the 2 years I've had her...

Title: Re: Is moulting at this time of year normal?
Post by: Kathie on October 08, 2010, 14:24

Last year all our ex batts moulted from late October and through November.  I felt so sorry for them that I washed every day so I could put the drier on in an outhouse and let them sit in there for warmth

Kathie

Title: Re: Is moulting at this time of year normal?
Post by: Springlands on October 08, 2010, 14:45

Our two are going through a mini moult at present - just seem to be extra feathers about their run.

Title: Re: Is moulting at this time of year normal?
Post by: chasechicken on October 08, 2010, 15:49

All reassuring, thank you!!

I have some.. don't laugh.. 'Clux Tuxes' which are little woolly vets for ex-batts.  Didn't use them when we first got the girls as they weren't as bad as I expected, but if she carries on then they may well be needed...

Yes.  I'll post a photo if I dress her up in it!!

Thanks!

Title: Re: Is moulting at this time of year normal?
Post by: richyrich7 on October 08, 2010, 16:06

Most hens moult or start to moult this time of year, shortening day length's trigger it.
I've all ways noticed that spring born hens hardly moult 1st winter, might just be the breed I had

Title: Re: Is moulting at this time of year normal?
Post by: Sassy on October 09, 2010, 11:12

Normal time to moult. Sometimes you hardly notice the moult other times thay can look oven ready. They will usually stop laying as they cannot replace their feathers and produce eggs. They will be fine. :)