Moulting

[marijo]

I'm new to keeping chickens, and new to the forum. Hope my query is legit!
I have 6 chickens one of which (black - ancona?) began to lose feathers around her vent and a few below her beak in July. She also went 'off-lay' around this time.
This 'bare-bottom' seemed to remain static until this week and she is seriously losing feathers galore and looking very bedraggled.
She's eating and drinking quite happily and enjoys a dust-bath (when the weather lets her!) I can't see any mite on her or the others.
How long can I expect this to go on? I'm contemplating knitting her a coat!
Your advice please!
Marijo.

 

[Chuck]

Sounds like she is in a heavy (and proper) moult. It can last for 6-8 weeks, sometimes a little longer. You should see some new feathers coming through and at this stage they are best not handled unless you have to as the newly developing feathers can get damaged. You will just have to patient with what is a natural process and enjoy your new look birds.
After the moult is complete, they should come back into lay.

 

[marijo]

Thanks Chuck. That's reassuring! Marijo.