412 Bulletin 258. 



What is tlie normal nwlt? 



From the facts now at hand regarding the molting of fowls, it seems 

 that the best molt, considering the question of the vitality of the stock, 

 is one when the fowl sheds the old feathers and replaces them in a regular 

 sequence with the new, without leaving the individual at any time in 

 an exposed and defenceless condition, and therefore in danger either from 

 inclement weather or inability to escape from its natural enemies. 



When fowls molt naturally and well, one should scarcely be able to 

 notice that the flock is molting, except that the shed feathers are found 

 in large quantities about the place. These hens, however, may not be 

 the most highly developed producers. Just how far man may safely 

 go in his development of the productive powers of the hen, without 

 endangering her life or the vitality of her oft'spring by artificial conditions, 

 remains to be proved. It would appear that one of the first natural 

 results as a consequence of an increased egg yield, is a postponement 

 of the time of the moU. 



Hen number 61 (Figs. 19 and 20) is a good example of the abnormal 

 molt. Her inherited disposition to lay was apparently so strongly 

 developed that it overbalanced the natural habit to molt during the 

 usual and proper season. As a result, she would have paid the penalty 

 of too high production, and retarded molt, by suffering from the Novem- 

 ber cold, if speci?! care had not been provided for her. 



Summary of fliidings. 



(i) The rotation of molting was practically the same with hens of 

 all ages — the oldest feather being shed first. 



(2) The chick and hen both feathered more quickly in such areas as 

 would protect the vital parts. 



(3) From the incubator to the laying period the chicks experienced 

 at least ionr molts, either partial or complete. 



(4) Hens frequently laid during the summer while partially molting, 

 but seldom during the general molt. 



(5) Hens have individual traits as to season of molting, but seldom 

 as to rotation of molt. 



(6) Young hens molted more quickly than older ones. 



(7) Young hens were more easily influenced by methods of feeding 

 than older ones. 



(8) Hens molting very late molted in less time than those molting 

 earlier. 



(9) Hens molting very late gave a higher yearly production than 

 those molting earlier. 



