What's going on?

[rehdancer]

Here are pics of 2 ladies whose feathers have changed, and I'm wondering if anyone knows if this is "normal". It's the feathers at the base of the tail, and on the black one also underneath at the top of the legs. I have some whose feathers don't lay flat like they used to, but these 2 have the most dramatic changes. Also, these pics were taken Jan 27 and on the black one the area is now larger. They're both still laying an egg per day and are eating, drinking, and pooping same as the others. These ladies are all 10 months old. Also, is it expected that at this time of year they could all look generally grubby and unkempt? All ideas/suggestions appreciated !

 

[Eggcessive]

Do you have a rooster who may be overmating them?and wearing down the feathers?

 

[rehdancer]

D9 you have a rooster who may be overmating them?and wearing down the feathers?

Thank you for responding. I have no roosters. It looks like the feathers are sticking up more than lying flat, if that makes sense.

 

[Eggcessive]

Are they old enough to be molting? Or are others pulling out feathers?

 

[MGG]

It looks like they're molting

 

[rehdancer]

It looks like they're molting

Wow - I didn't know they would molt in the dead of winter !!! And I thought they had to be a year old at least - well, I guess anything can happen !!! I'm not noticing a great loss of feathers, just one or two here and there, but it's all new to me - I don't know what to expect. thank you !!

 

[MGG]

My gander is molting right now, he's a mangy mess. He's only 9 months old and it's -8 degrees here right now. In the beginning of their molt my chickens I've noticed lose their rear feathers first (like yours) and then move on from there. It isn't any sickness though so they will definitely be fine

 

[Eggcessive]

Most chickens molt the first time at about 18 months, but some just don’t follow the rules. If you see loose feathers inside the coop, that may be likely.

 

[rehdancer]

My gander is molting right now, he's a mangy mess. He's only 9 months old and it's -8 degrees here right now. In the beginning of their molt my chickens I've noticed lose their rear feathers first (like yours) and then move on from there. It isn't any sickness though so they will definitely be fine

Thank you kindly !!

 

[MGG]

You're welcome