My neighbor is putting up corn in bins. We've scarfed up the cracked corn that was waste to feed our chickens. Question, does new grain cause birds to molt? My husband's mother is from the old school and says it will. It's starting to turn colder here and I don't want bald chickens! Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!!

Old wive's tales--new grain comes at the time of year when the days are shorter. Chickens generally molt in response to shortening days, but stress can also trigger molt. This is the first time I heard this one--I'll have to add it to the collection.

JOHN