Do hens become crabby when molting?

[The Welch Chickens]

It seems that my two hens have crabby and obstinate since they started molting. Is that normal?

 

[aart]

Yes.

 

[Mrs. K]

Very much so

 

[wrathsfarm]

For weeks

 

[The Welch Chickens]

Yes.

Very much so

For weeks

I'm glad there's no underlying issue. Thanks, guys!

 

[nuthatched]

Imagine having a really bad sunburn plus mosquitoes.

 

[wrathsfarm]

New pin feathers growing in are very painful especially during a hard molt. Both hens and roosters will be standoffish to the others and keep to themselves.

Being that it's very painful I try not to handle them unless I seriously need to. I offer some help in their diet for a boost during this rough time for them. (canned tuna, plain yogurt, electrolytes in water)

 

[awagnon]

My normally snuggly Orpie is VERY grumpy when she's molting. I miss my snuggles right now cause she's going through molt currently. She doesn't even look at me when I call her name. She is usually my 'golden retriever' of my flock following me around and jumping in my lap if I sit down. She's gone from her sweet trilling to outright growling at the moment. Her flock mates are also giving her more space when she's walking around. lol

 

[Azhtann]

I once heard someone compare molting to teething in an infant. Just, all over the body. While that got the message across, I'm not sure it is that severe.

 

[The Welch Chickens]

My normally snuggly Orpie is VERY grumpy when she's molting. I miss my snuggles right now cause she's going through molt currently. She doesn't even look at me when I call her name. She is usually my 'golden retriever' of my flock following me around and jumping in my lap if I sit down. She's gone from her sweet trilling to outright growling at the moment. Her flock mates are also giving her more space when she's walking around. lol

Same! My sweet Barnevelder had been giving me the stink eye all week