A question regarding moulting duration...

Harlequin · « **on:** November 20, 2007, 14:00 »

I've searched and seen there's a lot of these topics.
Basically how long does it usually take a chicken to go through a full moult, also, does it usually happen in clumps or all at once?
Also, my understanding is this happens more often/faster in hot weather is this true?
Because about half of my chooks have started moulting, and have been doing so for about a week, the other half haven't though.
I am slightly worried it could be mites, but then again half my chooks might just have decided to start moulting first.
Lastly my egg production doesn't seem to have taken a noticeable hit.
So if my chooks are just moulting, how long till they lose most of their feathers and start getting their new ones?

Selkie · « **Reply #1 on:** November 20, 2007, 14:04 »

if you inspect the hens closely you should be able to see any creepy crawlies - ours had lice (yuck!) and i was able to see them on their skin.

i think moulting can happen in bits and pieces or all at once; it's one of those things that seems to be different for each chicken.

Harlequin · « **Reply #2 on:** November 20, 2007, 14:13 »

Lice? Yeck.
I'll check them well tomorrow, if I can't find anythign I'll give it a week and see how they're doing.

Selkie · « **Reply #3 on:** November 20, 2007, 14:18 »

Quote from: "Harlequin"

Lice? Yeck.

i know :shock: they were horrid little things. we sometimes get crows landing to take the hens food so i think they picked them up from there.

did you read the section on ''poultry information'' - think there's stuff about parasites there.

hopefully yours are just moulting

Harlequin · « **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2007, 14:30 »

I did check it out, that's actually one the reasons I'm asking to see if it is natural or some sort of mite.

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #5 on:** November 20, 2007, 14:53 »

If it's mites causing the feather loss there will be feather stumps left in the chooks skin. If it's mouting the the feathers fall out complete.

Hope that helps

Harlequin · « **Reply #6 on:** November 21, 2007, 00:30 »

That does help Aunty..
Well, whatever it is doesn't seem to be destroying the feathers, just the outer layers, still fluffy and stuff below. I checked and couldn't find much sign of lice or mites, nothign crawly...
I think it might just be the rooster's "attention" still best to be safe and give them a mite dusting.
Sally; what provokes chooks to moult? If it a time of the year or a change in temperature?

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #7 on:** November 21, 2007, 17:28 »

Quote from: "Harlequin"

Sally; what provokes chooks to moult? If it a time of the year or a change in temperature?

They just need new clothes

This time of year is a frequent time for moulting. Don't forget to feed them well while moulting and extra protein in their diet is a good idea. I'm adding some cat food to their warm mash.

mummychook · « **Reply #8 on:** December 03, 2007, 13:25 »

Hi,

New to the forum, love all the advice given - just a quick question.
You mentioned cat food - which sort is best - don't have a cat so no idea what I'm looking at!

:roll:

Bodger · « **Reply #9 on:** December 03, 2007, 15:59 »

The cheapest and fishiest smelling

Moulting

Every season and every bird is different. Sometimes its drastic and over quickly and other then it can also be gradual and go on forever.

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #10 on:** December 03, 2007, 17:16 »

One of my hens has been moulting since about August, very slowly a first and then in a rush, but since I started giving them a bit of cat food her feathers have grown back quite quickly and nice and glossy too.

I use the type you get in pouches and one pouch last my two hens for 3 days. I'ts just an extra so they don't need much

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A question regarding moulting duration...

Selkie

Selkie

Bodger