Molting chooks

They are probably doing their first 'natural' moult - mine seem to wait for the first frosts
If you look carefully you may find the 'dark skin' is in fact the beginning of the new feathers.  Hopefully they will have enough sense (although there is a reason for the term bird brained) to snuggle somewhere warm and sheltered when necessary.  It may also be a good idea to give them an extra tonic - poultry spice - or something like that.

Thank you, thank you, will try everything first thing tomorrow.  Christmas cheer to all!!

Hi, a bit of poultry spice of life guard toinc added to the food is all you need. Are you feeding them a good quality food? i feed mine ex-batts and they seem to be doing very well on it, feathering up nicely