This week I had noticed some larger buff colored feathers in the run. I did not notice anyone losing many feathers until today, when I noticed Oyster Cracker. My most beautiful Buff Orpington, overnight lost most of her feathers! The best part is, she doesn’t even seem to notice. Still loving the camera, her curiosity could not stop her from posing. She is midway through her molt and it she will probably become worse before her new feathers arrive. It can take up to 9 weeks for her body to create new feathers. Even mid-molt, I still think she is gorgeous. Her spirit is infectious and her spunk can brighten any dreary day. Today her inner beauty sparkled with less feathers eclipsing her brilliance.
Photo Credit: Tilly’s Nest
13 thoughts on “Inner Beauty”
She is really a lovely looking hen. I plan on getting two Buff Orpington's when my husbands builds my coop.
She is precious. My Cora a New Hampshire Red is molting and she is down in the dumps. So Oyster Cracker is doing really well…
Thank you from Beyond My Kitchen Window. I think that is a great idea!
Hibiscus House, maybe some dried meal worms would perk up Cora. My girls love them. I hope her molting ends soon.
awe, she is a beauty. I tried to comment on your blog yesterday. I have been having problems with blogger. I was SO excited with the idea of your hop! I would also love to come to your coop. We usually only venture down the cape in the summer. I will keep you and your girls in mind for sure!
I've only had my chickens a couple of weeks and just yesterday I got my first two eggs and today one!
However, about 5 days ago or so, I started noticing feathers in the coop– I thought they were molting. The Husband wondered if it was maybe some Rooster action (?)… Not sure of chicken mating patterns. Could this be the case?
Curious in TX,…Pat
Poor Girl! Doris molted and it looked like a feather pillow exploded in the house every morning for a week.
Thanks for the pictures and the story. My girls have never molted and I am guessing they will go thru that this year… I don't really know what to expect, so I really appreciate when you share all these milestones!
I think she somehow looks more beautiful. Like a sea creature with beautiful scales 🙂 I love reading about your 'lovely ladies' and I look forward to the day I can have some chickens of my own. I'm just waiting for construction on my house to finish and then I plan on buying two bantam hens with long-term plans of having four (we have a small yard). Chickens are my favourite animals. Keep up the great blog!
Thank you so much cake chick! I think that would be great fun.
Great questions Corn in my Coffee Pot! Chickens over 1 year of age will molt once per year typically in the Fall. Younger chickens go through a few molts as they advance to adulthood. If a rooster is to blame, feathers will be missing from the between the wings. They mate any chance they get, sometimes the hen is not too willing. They will "hold" onto her with their sharp toes. One rooster needs about 10 hens to himself to ensure that he doesn't tire out a couple of girls.
Oh my hen, rugosarose, I completely know what you are talking about! Was she in your actual house?
SAKim, You are very welcome. Love to share all that is happening here.
Thank you Pandorash8. I can't wait to meet your girls, be sure to link up to "Share your coop".
She really is gorgeous!!
Thank you WannaBePioneerWoman. I have to agree 🙂
I think OC still looks beautiful. I searched 'chicken remedies' on Pinterest and came up with a link you might find helpful. http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2011/09/backyard-chicken-challenges.html
Thanks for visiting the cottage today. I didn't realize you lived in in New England.
xo, Rosemary
Rosemary, you are such a sweetheart. I try to visit the Cottage everyday, even though I sometimes do not comment. My kids LOVED the recent post on the elephants. I bawled like a baby! So touching. Love your blog!