Moulting question

[polo]

I feel as though I should know this but...

I know hens moult one a year BUT when do they start moulting. I was expecting my one years old to have started losing feathers around now and there's no sign (other than the white leghorn looks a bit scraggy around the neck area)

thanks everyone!

Polo

[RichmondHens]

If she is one now, ie she was hatched March last year, then as a rough guide her laying season should have started around September, which means that she will lay through to about August/September and then moult, but it is dependent on breed, and whether or not she goes broody (hens often have a partial moult following brooding).

Her second and subsequent seasons will be shorter as if she moults this September she may not recommence lay until January 2012 and then lay through till September 2012 but again this is dependent on breed/type of hen.

[polo]

Thanks RH. I got them in March last year as POL and there is one white LH, two Nero's (black rock equivalents I reckon) and a Blue star so tracking back from your dates that should be around now - assuming it works like that?

Polo

[Suechooks]

Some don't seem to lose massive amounts of feathers all at the same time. I have a Black Rock over 3 years old and I've neve seen her look as if she's moulting. She just looks a bit dull instead of her usual blue/green sheen. A Bluebelle I got at the same time as her just went completely bald in about a week and looked terrible for weeks but came back looking VERY beautiful. I've a Warren who had been half bald for weeks and her sister looking beautiful with whole new wardrobe! You just can't predict.

[motherhen]

Different birds seem to cope in different ways and as you say even same age, same type can differ.
Our LS and the black Leghorns really loose everything, while others seem to breeze through. I know I always harp on about diet but while they are moulting this is even more critical.

[polo]

Thanks everyone, will watch and wait!