Poultry Judging Practice Test

What physiological stage in birds is characterized by a loss of feathers?

1. Hatching

2. Molting

3. Brooding

4. Nesting

The correct answer is: Molting

The stage characterized by a loss of feathers in birds is known as molting. During this process, birds shed old feathers and replace them with new ones. Molting is crucial for maintaining feather health and insulation, as well as for ensuring that birds can fly efficiently. This physiological stage typically occurs at specific times of the year and can vary among species. Hatching refers to the emergence of chick from the egg and is not associated with feather loss, as chicks are still developing feathers during this stage. Brooding is the period when a parent bird cares for its young, and while it involves nurturing and protecting young birds, it does not involve the shedding of feathers. Nesting pertains to the activities associated with constructing and maintaining a nest for laying eggs and rearing chicks, which also does not involve molting. Therefore, molting distinctly represents the physiological stage when birds actively lose feathers to facilitate their renewal process.