Topic of the Week - Managing Your Chickens' Molt

[PippinTheChicken]

What saddles and where do you purchase them please?

Search for chicken saddles on etsy or ebay

 

[casportpony]

What saddles and where do you purchase them please?

Our very own @OneMountainAcres makes them!
Homemade hen/turkey saddles:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/hen-turkey-saddles.1338823/

 

[kdke]

Our very own @OneMountainAcres makes them!
Homemade hen/turkey saddles:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/hen-turkey-saddles.1338823/

Thanks!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I don't do much different except to feel terribly sorry for them. Last year a poor girl lost all of her feathers in a two day period in November. I had no idea chickens were capable of shivering, turns out they are. I already feed my birds an 18-20% all flock feed when available.

 

[Liz Birdlover]

What saddles and where do you purchase them please?

I got mine on Amazon.
I did buy a few varieties, I prefer ones with wing guards.

Louise's Country Closet Standard Size 5 Pack Chicken Saddle Complete Protection for Wings and Back https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KQCANVI/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_YQN5YK95BH5QJGPQNKWS

pranovo 2 Pack Standard Chicken Saddle Hen Apron Feather Fixer Wing Back Protector for Poultry(Protect Back and Wing) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MGGV2R...abc_YD5AKC3Y7A53HYGC208P?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Standard Size Chicken Saddles Hen Aprons With Sholder Wing Protection Set of (2) Grab Bag Patterns Vary https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MAX93S...abc_JG6B0JX5NJYGEH2M5C45?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Liz Birdlover]

Is it a waste if you give them more protein during the begging stages of their molting cycle? Or should I just wait until feathers start growing bacon out?

I started higher protein end of Aug, I noticed everyone shedding a lot of feathers with the days getting shorter. I supplement my pigeons feed as well. I would think sooner is better, right when you see molting begin, have the protein already in their system being metabolized so when the body is trying to make new feathers and lay eggs calling for more protein, it's already there.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Is it a waste if you give them more protein during the begging stages of their molting cycle? Or should I just wait until feathers start growing bacon out?

No, not really. I increase protien as soon as molt starts.

 

[BDutch]

I mix layer feed with starter when they start molting. Not just for the extra proteins but also because the chickens don't need so much Calcium if there is a decrease in laying eggs. I give them a little hemp flax (bird), sunflower seed or a few mealworms as extra. I don’t give my chickens GMO-soy because it ruins the earth.

Only once, 6 years ago, I had one almost naked 1 1/2 year old chicken. I rarely have naked patches on my chickens. Even in the years they only got organic layer feed with just 15-16% proteins and a few hours to free range. Therefore I think (opinion) a diet with approx 18% proteins for heritage breeds /most breeds and mixes should be enough during molt. Only the laying hybrids probably need more proteins.

 

[Liznmike8]

In late summer/early fall, your coop is full of feathers, and your birds are half-naked. First, if you don't know what is happening, you might panic and wonder if they have a parasite or something attacking them but that is not the case, they are just molting and it's an entirely natural process.

This week I would like to hear your thoughts and practices on managing your chickens' molt. Specifically:

- How do you tell if they are molting or infested with parasites?
- Feed supplementation - do you change their diet in any way?
- What do you do to prepare for emergencies during molting?

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I boost the dried black fly larvae and dried crickets. More protein all winter! If one gets pecked at I add Vaseline to the area. Usually the guilty pecker (lol) will get a taste of that and leave it alone.

 

[Jrios58]

Several of my white rocks are molting- one shook herself all over as i was watching and about 6 feathers fell out!!