Australia - Six states..and that funny little island.

cluckcluckluke said:

So jealous of everyone getting eggs.

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Anniebee said:

Haven't been here for a few months, so hello all - again.  

Two of my 3 chickens are moulting - actually past losing the feathers and are growing new ones.   Lots of pin feathers sticking out.   My Welsummer finished looking like something from outer space some time back, so she is fat and sassy again ( not too fat - just the big girl she normally is ) however, she has not yet begun to lay again.   Just eating and doing her thing.   

Thing is, the combs on all my girls, including my Welsummer Mandy, have kind of shrunk somewhat, and are only pink.   Is this normal during moult and regrowth of feathers.   Mandy's keel is well surrounded with muscle, but poor Molly RIR has a keel that is quite prominent - she is growing feathers again, and doesn't seem to sit at night.   I think she stands up all night to sleep.  There are a lot of pin feathers on her chest, so maybe they are uncomfortable for her.   They are like needles.    She seems well enough, and still has plenty of 'go' in her, but is of course looking much thinner due to loss of feathers etc.   She still chases the dog along the fence and pecks Ruby's ears if she gets half a chance ! ! ....  Mindy Araucana has I think finished her moult, regrown her tail feathers, but has heaps of tiny needly pin-feathers sticking out of her head.   Her tiny rose (?) comb, is also very pale.   

What I would like to know is, .... is it normal for the combs to lose their bright red colour and kind of 'shrink' during the moult / new feathers thing.   It is true winter now here ( Upwey, Victoria ) .... but it doesn't seem to worry them much.   They began all this business in Autumn. 

I have actually had to BUY eggs this week .. first time for about 18 months.    Guess I should wait until Spring now for eggs ?  Would that be right ?    Any info would be more than appreciated.

Also - I make a mash of rice, vegies, bran, rolled oats uncooked, scratch mix and shredded raw greens - 3 times a week for them.   Someone said she makes her mash and adds vegemite.   I  put the tiniest bit in it today, and mixed it all in thoroughly.   I am hoping that it is ok for chooks - but only a little ?    Again, any info would be much appreciated.

Meantime, welcome to all the new members here ... it's a great site to learn so much.

Cheers all ........ AB.

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cluckcluckluke said:

So jealous of everyone getting eggs.

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Anniebee said:

Haven't been here for a few months, so hello all - again.  

Two of my 3 chickens are moulting - actually past losing the feathers and are growing new ones.   Lots of pin feathers sticking out.   My Welsummer finished looking like something from outer space some time back, so she is fat and sassy again ( not too fat - just the big girl she normally is ) however, she has not yet begun to lay again.   Just eating and doing her thing.   

Thing is, the combs on all my girls, including my Welsummer Mandy, have kind of shrunk somewhat, and are only pink.   Is this normal during moult and regrowth of feathers.   Mandy's keel is well surrounded with muscle, but poor Molly RIR has a keel that is quite prominent - she is growing feathers again, and doesn't seem to sit at night.   I think she stands up all night to sleep.  There are a lot of pin feathers on her chest, so maybe they are uncomfortable for her.   They are like needles.    She seems well enough, and still has plenty of 'go' in her, but is of course looking much thinner due to loss of feathers etc.   She still chases the dog along the fence and pecks Ruby's ears if she gets half a chance ! ! ....  Mindy Araucana has I think finished her moult, regrown her tail feathers, but has heaps of tiny needly pin-feathers sticking out of her head.   Her tiny rose (?) comb, is also very pale.   

What I would like to know is, .... is it normal for the combs to lose their bright red colour and kind of 'shrink' during the moult / new feathers thing.   It is true winter now here ( Upwey, Victoria ) .... but it doesn't seem to worry them much.   They began all this business in Autumn. 

I have actually had to BUY eggs this week .. first time for about 18 months.    Guess I should wait until Spring now for eggs ?  Would that be right ?    Any info would be more than appreciated.

Also - I make a mash of rice, vegies, bran, rolled oats uncooked, scratch mix and shredded raw greens - 3 times a week for them.   Someone said she makes her mash and adds vegemite.   I  put the tiniest bit in it today, and mixed it all in thoroughly.   I am hoping that it is ok for chooks - but only a little ?    Again, any info would be much appreciated.

Meantime, welcome to all the new members here ... it's a great site to learn so much.

Cheers all ........ AB.

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satay said:

The comb sounds normal during a heavy moult. As long as no one is showing signs of illness you should be fine. A little vegemite is fine from time to time just not to much as it's very salty. You may have to wait til spring for eggs. Mine have dropped off now but still getting a few. I haven't bought an egg in 7 years but luck I have so many. I boiled up eggs for the girls for a treat today.

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Fancychooklady said:

Vegemite is useful if you suspect a thiamine or B1 deficiency , but as satay says it's very high in sodium .

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Findtex said:

I have also been told that vegemite can be used as a wormer, I would like to see some scientific proof of this!!!!

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Findtex said:

I have also been told that vegemite can be used as a wormer, I would like to see some scientific proof of this!!!!

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Anniebee said:

Haven't been here for a few months, so hello all - again.

Two of my 3 chickens are moulting - actually past losing the feathers and are growing new ones. Lots of pin feathers sticking out. My Welsummer finished looking like something from outer space some time back, so she is fat and sassy again ( not too fat - just the big girl she normally is ) however, she has not yet begun to lay again. Just eating and doing her thing.

Thing is, the combs on all my girls, including my Welsummer Mandy, have kind of shrunk somewhat, and are only pink. Is this normal during moult and regrowth of feathers. Mandy's keel is well surrounded with muscle, but poor Molly RIR has a keel that is quite prominent - she is growing feathers again, and doesn't seem to sit at night. I think she stands up all night to sleep. There are a lot of pin feathers on her chest, so maybe they are uncomfortable for her. They are like needles. She seems well enough, and still has plenty of 'go' in her, but is of course looking much thinner due to loss of feathers etc. She still chases the dog along the fence and pecks Ruby's ears if she gets half a chance ! ! .... Mindy Araucana has I think finished her moult, regrown her tail feathers, but has heaps of tiny needly pin-feathers sticking out of her head. Her tiny rose (?) comb, is also very pale.

What I would like to know is, .... is it normal for the combs to lose their bright red colour and kind of 'shrink' during the moult / new feathers thing. It is true winter now here ( Upwey, Victoria ) .... but it doesn't seem to worry them much. They began all this business in Autumn.

I have actually had to BUY eggs this week .. first time for about 18 months. Guess I should wait until Spring now for eggs ? Would that be right ? Any info would be more than appreciated.

Also - I make a mash of rice, vegies, bran, rolled oats uncooked, scratch mix and shredded raw greens - 3 times a week for them. Someone said she makes her mash and adds vegemite. I put the tiniest bit in it today, and mixed it all in thoroughly. I am hoping that it is ok for chooks - but only a little ? Again, any info would be much appreciated.

Meantime, welcome to all the new members here ... it's a great site to learn so much.

Cheers all ........ AB.

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FourteenChicks said:

Quote:
Wow, that's harsh. I only have 8 hens that should be laying.

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