Chickens in the Hoophouse (part 2)

When we first moved the ‘front yard flock’ of chickens into the hoophouse, only one hen was laying eggs, and some of the chickens were missing feathers. Both were things that are fairly normal for the time of year it was; chickens molt, and replace all their feathers so that they can have fresh feathers for winter to keep them warm. This takes a lot of energy for them and also causes them to slow or stop laying altogether for a little while.

Last fall, though, they didn’t slow down nearly as much as this year. And some of them seemed to be about done molting, but they weren’t starting to lay again. Chickens seem to lay better during their molt and times of stress (like a fall where the onset of cold is sudden) if their needs are being met well. Egg laying can be a clue to their health, even though there are factors that can cause them to slow down that don’t have to do with stress or their health (such as the shorter hours of daylight in the winter). Trying to judge how much of a slowdown is healthy, and how much could be avoided with good care is one of those things even experienced chicken keepers debate and disagree on. It seemed clear that the situation of the ‘front yard flock’ could be improved at least.

Once in the hoophouse, the chickens were able to move about and scratch around more, searching for greens and bugs and anything else that might be good to eat, and, once they had scratched up some areas, to take dust baths. Dust bathing helps keep parasites off of the chickens, and they seem to really enjoy it. They kick dust or dirt up into their feathers and roll around in the hole they create. When they’re done, they get up and shake out their feathers vigorously.

Now, most of the chickens are looking very sleek with their new feathers and they are starting to lay eggs again. And one young hen has grown very friendly and follows me around whenever I go out there…