4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Mutrix Farmers]

Can someone please tell me when my hens will moult? Henrietta and Katie started laying last April (2008) and I thought I read that they will moult 12 months after starting to lay. But apart from the odd feather, both still look like they always have done, both sporting a fine body of feathers apart from having no discernible tail feathers!!!! Katie still lays every day and Henrietta still lays 5 eggs a week (just like normal)!!!!

 

They do have chicken spice in their porridge, and the occasional bit of fish to boost their protein levels. Could it be that they are in such good condition that the new feathers are growing through as they lose the old ones and they won't ever go through the bald phase?

[Egluntyne]

I'm guessing that this Autumn they will have a heavy moult, given their age.

[Mutrix Farmers]

typical, just as it gets cold, my chickens will lose all their feathers. Better knit them some jackets!!

[Egluntyne]

No need...they will be fine.

[The Dogmother]

Egluntine is right - spring, or late spring hatches won't usually moult or stop laying that autumn, but they will usually have a heavier moult the subsequent autumn.

[TAJ]

Of my three original girls - born Sept/Oct 2007, started laying Feb 2008, two moulted November and December 08 respectively - the third one has continued laying since Feb 2008 and never moulted, so I think she will be due a good moult at the end of the summer.

 

Tracy

[brambles]

looks like i'm in for some fun then too!

[Tiggy]

Saffy my ex bat is totally bald from vent to breast & is starting to lose some neck feathers but seems to lay most days, edina is in a similar state and is about 12 months old & still laying, now I understand why - thanks guys

[eggalp]

my bluebell is mouting at the moment, she is two in august.........bet she is glad in ths hot weather!

[teri]

my broody is having a huge moult at the moment her poor chicks are finding it hard to snuggle in! none of my other girls appear to be loosing any feathers?

i think they are younger than the broody as i have had them from 18 weeks and they are not ye a year old.. i have no idea of my broody's age as she was fully grown when i got her.