The Poultry Keeper The Independent Forum for Poultry Keepers    FAQ   Search     Register   Log in  Moulting          The Poultry Keeper Forum Index -> Poultry Clinic Author Message Nisi Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 164 Location: Yorkshire Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 6:30 pm    Post subject: Moulting My buttercup hen is moulting, at least that's what I assume it is, having not experienced a moult before. But I hadn't expected any of them to moult at this time of year. So, is this normal ? Back to top summayah Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 10:27 pm    Post subject: I'm sorry I don't know the answer, but hopefully someone will be along soon who does. Some of mine were moulting in November, so I guess they can moult any time, but I really don't know for sure. Back to top Issy Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 371 Location: somerset Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2006 10:12 am    Post subject: most of our girls moulted in Nov/Dec but one of mine started to moult last month and still looks like an oven ready now. she is wearing a very trendy chicken saddle to protect her from the cockerel All mine are on poultry spice in their food and battles drink in the water as a pick me up and I think that they can moult at irregular times over the winter especially in their first year ( I wait to be corrected!!). Just pamper your girl a bit and i am sure she will be ok. Back to top Aussie Chick Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Posts: 2737 Location: Milton Keynes/ Brisbane Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2006 6:22 pm    Post subject: Nisi...I feel the same. I had worked extra a few weeks ago and when it got to the weekend when I saw my girls, one was missing feathers from her neck and face area. I felt like a bad 'mum' as I hadnt spotted it earlier. I also thought it was weird to moult now, but I guess it must be. Back to top summayah Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 3:28 pm    Post subject: You could also give the acv to help the girls get through the moult Back to top Nisi Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 164 Location: Yorkshire Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 3:55 pm    Post subject: Yes I'm using ACV already and she seems active enough. I was just worried that it was the wrong time of year ! Back to top NannyP Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 11590 Location: 86310 Nr St Savin Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 4:31 pm    Post subject: It seems to depend on when they hatched ie: if they were early in the yearm they'll moult over winter, but if they're later say June/July they'll moult in Spring. Back to top Nisi Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 164 Location: Yorkshire Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 6:23 pm    Post subject: Thanks Nanny P it's good to have a reason. Beatrice is older than the other three and was already laying when we got her as a replacement for Doris the devil chicken. She was the last Buttercup they had, probably because it's impossible to catch her ! Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First         The Poultry Keeper Forum Index -> Poultry Clinic All times are GMT + 1 Hour Page 1 of 1 Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group