I had a bit of a shock the other day when I went to let the chickens out for the day. Their chicken house was full of feathers. Heaps of feathers. So many feathers I had to double check that I actually still had three chickens in the run.
One, two, three. Yes they were still there. But why the feathers?
Moult of course!
It’s around this time that chickens moult and mine seem to be following the trend. I was a little surprised by the volume that they seemed to have shed overnight. It almost looked like a possum or something had gone in and attacked them.
They do look a bit of a sorry site. A mix of bare skin, fluffy feathers and their normal sleek feathered look.
Up close the moulted area looks sad.
But you can see new feathers peaking through already.
Although they look a little scrawny and skinny right now I’m sure they will be right as reign soon.
They are still laying eggs, one every couple of days instead of every day during the summer. I think this is a sign that things are going to slow down and then stop as we head into winter. It would be very nice if they could time their egg production so they take a break whilst we’re in the UK later this year. That would save me having to buy eggs which I’m sure is not going to be a fun thing for me to do.
In case you’re wondering, George the maniac rooster is still with us. Just. He’s a feisty thing who wants to attack me every morning when I let him out. I go armed with a small bamboo stick incase he needs a little guidance to stay out of my personal space. So far so good and I’ve not had to use the stick for anything other than guiding him away to play.
The problem with George is that he’s a fine rooster. Every one who visits us says so and that includes people far more knowledgable about chickens than me. The fact we upgraded his chicken bach to put some proper walls, floor and roof on is an indication we’re investing in George for the future. In a few weeks we should be getting some more chickens from friends and neighbours so we’ll be able to let him loose with the ladies again.
I have to say keeping chickens is one of the best things here at Domestic Executive HQ. To pick up the eggs every day is something I still love. To feel a warm egg recently laid is the best sort of hand warmer you could ask for.
Gosh, I didn’t know chickens moulted like that. It’s something we may do one day, when we’re a bit more settled, but we’d have to eat a lot more eggs than we do at the moment! 🙂
My half dozen ladies lay 1- 3 eggs a day which is more than enough for us. When I have too many eggs I sell them at work and I always have plenty of customers. The thing I like best about keeping chickens is hearing a rooster crowing. We didn’t replace our last one when he died of old age but he was a bit of a nuisance for our visitors because he would crow at any time of day or night. Now I have to be content to hear the rooster crowing from the next farm up the valley. I’ve always had a mixed bunch of hens, ages and breeds ,so they have moulted at different times.