Will they moult at the same time

[cherrycoop]

I have 11 RIR bantam hens, two cockerels -need to keep the cocks as they are the only pure breeding line available. I get between 9 and 11 eggs every, so very pleased with the production. My chickens get lots of greens everyday and are on a layers pellets or mash - whatever is available, it can be erratic. As our days are constant 12 light 12 dark throughout the year we don't have or I have not noticed a period when they don't lay. The oldest hen is two, the youngest is 36 weeks. Can anyone tell me if they moult, will they all moult at the same time? I don't want to panic thinking my chickens are sick when they are doing what comes naturally and by the same token miss signs of illness - no chicken friendly vets alas. And one more question, given that production is good should I treat them for worms - I have managed to get brought over some Flubenvet brought over.

 

[valeriebutterley]

Hello Cherrycoop
Wish I could answer your question, I think they moult as they are ready.
Yesterday, I picked up my white Pekin, and wondered what was the matter with her head, felt like very rough bristles, and it was, - moulting time, all the new little feather shafts were there and bursting. I guess it was her time. Another one of my Pekins, possibly the oldest has started to look like a battery hen, even my granddaughters have remarked on her less than pretty feathers!
Another girl, an enormous pure bred hen, has grown her bottom feathers in the first time in nearly a year, having had them ripped out in an
accident, and some of my layers, now over a year, are looking a bit ragged at the moment, but the young ones are stunning and glossy.
I think when it is time, it happens.