I always feel bad for her....my favorite girl

[Jen5200]

Anyone who has birds knows how much fun moulting is, so I thought I’d share with those that would “get it”. My Bessie-chicken does a tremendous job when she decides it’s time to get a new coat.

It’s become a tradition. Every year in early to mid-December I walk into the barn and find a literal mound of black and white feathers....I proceed to have a panic attack thinking that something has taken my favorite girl. Then I go looking and find an “almost naked” Bessie running around the barn.

Most birds blow their feathers in moderation, but Bessie does it all in a single night...at the coldest time of the year. She’s 6 years old and I’ve had her since she was a baby and she does this to me EVERY YEAR. She’s lucky that I adore her - that rush of panic and dread is my least favourite thing.

A couple of shots below for those that want to check out her December “look”, she’s about a week past bald now and is sporting a few pin feathers.

 

[saxguy64]

Oh, poor girl! That's a lot of pins! It looks so itchy. Haven't had ours long enough for a big seasonal molt yet, but I hope they don't try that here. They'd freeze to death! It's been miserable cold here this week- single digits overnight. Our girls hardly come out of the coop when it's like this, although I think it's more because of the snow. They really hate cold, wet feet. I don't blame them!

I see why Bessie is your favorite, she's gorgeous!

 

[Jen5200]

In all fairness, she really is a pretty chicken and one of the most people-oriented of my flock. She is one of two that I have that will fly to me and perch on my arm like a parrot. She’s also an avid gardener and loves to “help” with weeding. She still lays an egg almost every day at 6 years old (except when she’s moulting).

 

[Laurasea]

Wow. Exploding with pins, must be so uncomfortable ....and chilly...
But I agree pretty girl. Maybe a throw back picture in full feather?

 

[Laurasea]

Oh we double posted!
Great pictures, with feathers

 

[Ellie777Australia]

Poor Bessie....she is adorable. My chooks never have such severe molts. We've kept Isa Browns in the past and now have Australorp and Australorp/Hamburg cross, all with minimal molt. Is Bessie's severe molt common to her breed?

 

[Jen5200]

Poor Bessie....she is adorable. My chooks never have such severe molts. We've kept Isa Browns in the past and now have Australorp and Australorp/Hamburg cross, all with minimal molt. Is Bessie's severe molt common to her breed?

She’s my only barred rock chicken, so I’m not sure if it’s a breed trait or just a Bessie thing. I have a variety of breeds and she’s the only one that molts like this. Everyone else does it with a bit more dignity . On the upside - she does it fast....no molting for weeks on end for her!

 

[Ellie777Australia]

Perhaps some extra hay/mulch on the floor will keep her a little warmer until she gets her feathers back?? How about a little extra protein in her diet as well?

 

[LaManuka]

What a stunning girl Bessie is, but I can quite see how that huge moult would scare the living daylights out of you!

 

[Jen5200]

Perhaps some extra hay/mulch on the floor will keep her a little warmer until she gets her feathers back?? How about a little extra protein in her diet as well?

Oh definitely - she tends to sleep in the nest boxes when she is bald, probably because they are warmer and full of wood shavings (I have chickens and turkeys so big and little nest boxes are available). I feed lots of grubs and scrambled eggs to up their protein during this time

 

[SailBoat]

It takes huge energy stores to undergo such a huge molt. Clearly she is one healthy girl.
Keep taps on her molt in the future watching for any slowing in return of pin feathers.
This winter has had huge swings in temperature not to mention the Nor-eastern that has had its way with New England -- a special prayer for those digging out...

I can see why you love your favorite 'pretty' girl!!!

 

[Jen5200]

It takes huge energy stores to undergo such a huge molt. Clearly she is one healthy girl.
Keep taps on her molt in the future watching for any slowing in return of pin feathers.
This winter has had huge swings in temperature not to mention the Nor-eastern that has had its way with New England -- a special prayer for those digging out...

I can see why you love your favorite 'pretty' girl!!!

She is a healthy girl and has always come through it well. I’m pretty fastidious about upping the protein and making sure that they get veggies and other goodies in addition to their feed. Thankfully we’ve had pretty moderate temps this year on the west coast - last year it was really cold when she dumped her feathers. I will definitely continue to watch her regrowth, as she gets older I do worry that she could be less resilient.