Moulting and Racing?

[Newbie2020]

My young birds hatched in March, can anyone tell me when they will start moulting and how long until they have finished? My programme starts next week how many weeks they be able to race? When cant you send them? what are the signs and how many weeks after hatching is this?

[Guest IB]

My young birds hatched in March, can anyone tell me when they will start moulting and how long until they have finished? My programme starts next week how many weeks they be able to race? When cant you send them? what are the signs and how many weeks after hatching is this?

 

Your birds should have started moulting March / April, at 4/5 weeks of age, if reared Natural. Can't miss it, cast primary & secondary feathers lying on the floor? Primaries 1 through to 10, 5/6 months tops.

 

If the birds are bare about face or ears, or if they are beyond primary 7, that's when I don't send them.

 

 

[Newbie2020]

there are a few feathers on the floor of the loft, but not a great deal. However there does appear to be more and more getting each day! How long does it take to cast each primary?

[Guest IB]

The first 5 primaries are reasonably quick, when the growing Primary is about three-quarters up, the next in turn drops, each taking 2 or 3 weeks to grow in; when you get to around No7, it takes longer, 3/4 weeks, and nos 9 & 10 are the longest 4/5 weeks, and with these ones especially, the bird is basically grounded, they are very reluctant to fly.

 

Dropping No5 usually triggers the body moult, when head, neck & chest and wing coverts start dropping in droves. This is the time when the floor is carpeted in feathers.