[outercircle]

I have four rare breeds coming into their fourth year and 2 hybrids I bought as POL in July 2011. The rare breeds have all moulted over the last few months and aren't currently laying. The two hybrids are still laying but haven't moulted - they didn't moult last autumn and now they're beginning to look really scruffy and have got some bald patches underneath and round their normally fluffy bums. Is this normal?

[darkbrowneggs]

Hybrids shouldn't normally moult in their first year, but should lay through to the following autumn, even traditional breeds should not moult in their first year, especially if they are later hatched 

[symonep]

one of my hybrids has just had her 1st moult and she is 3 years old, it started with her having a bare bum!

[Sassy]

Do check for signs of lice around their bottoms but they may be moulting.

Chooks all moult to varying degrees often it is not noticeable, some look oven-ready!