Early Moult

[chrismahon]

Have noticed the cocks are losing the first of their primary wing feathers. Bottom, Arnold, Frankie and Basil have all lost the first pair this week. Haven't noticed any of the hens yet, but as many of them are broody and we haven't enough runs it's a bit chaotic in the Orchard at the moment!

Anyone else got early moulters?

 

[Chuck]

Yes a few hens in one pen of brown hybrids which usually means they will all moult. Depends on when they were hatched and for this batch it will be their first moult. Other odd ones about in other pens.

 

[Marigold]

When would you expect first moult in a hybrid, Chuck? I have a Silver Star and an Amber Star, both hatched Nov. 2010, which haven't moulted so far, at 18 months old.

 

[BabyBantam]

Noticed a couple of wing feathers at the weekend, just in time for the horrible weather.... don't chooks time it to perfection!!

 

[Chuck]

When would you expect first moult in a hybrid, Chuck? I have a Silver Star and an Amber Star, both hatched Nov. 2010, which haven't moulted so far, at 18 months old.

It's not that predictable but they should certainly moult this autumn, if not late summer - any time from now in fact.