➡I accidentally bought Balut eggs: 2 live ducks! Now a Chat Thread!

[CSAchook]

Our favorite hen isn’t doing very good. I know molting can take a lot out of them but she’s walking so stiffly, she has bumblefoot so that’s why, her leg feathers have all fallen out and are trying to regrow but you can tell they hurt. She has never held her weight well either. If we get any cold, wetness this winter we’ll probably lose her.

Canned salmon. Packed full of nutritional goodness. It can help with both the molting and the weight.

 

[ShrekDawg]

So sorry you have to deal with that.

Thanks! I don't think she necessarily means to be mean, maybe concerned I'm gonna hurt my neck or that I'm stressed or whatever, but it comes off as that way and only serves to make me more stressed lol but the other situation is way more annoying

 

[Kiki]

Remember when this thread use to go really fast?
Check out the live chat on this video.

 

[Morrigan]

How long does no egg laying last while molting?

It depends on the hen. Some do a leisurely molt from July until the Winter egg hiatus. Others drop feathers all at once and only take 2 months or so. I've had a couple continue to lay while doing a slow molt.

I think it also depends on the time of year. If they start molting September or later, they usually just wait until the days start lengthening a bit in Spring.

 

[Morrigan]

Remember when this thread use to go really fast?
Check out the live chat on this video.

I can't see the live chat. This hurricane is terrifying.

 

[littleprairieheartsfarm]

Canned salmon. Packed full of nutritional goodness. It can help with both the molting and the weight.

I guess we can try it! It’s not like we have anything to lose at this point. Our problem is that she doesn’t eat very much (she’s our dominant hen so it’s not a pecking order thing) she just picks at whatever we throw out there. Free-range from 6 am to whenever they go to bed, always have 20% starter available, mealworms as treats, some scratch, and sometimes we throw fruits and veggies out there. She’s our hardkeeper.

 

[littleprairieheartsfarm]

It depends on the hen. Some do a leisurely molt from July until the Winter egg hiatus. Others drop feathers all at once and only take 2 months or so. I've had a couple continue to lay while doing a slow molt.

I think it also depends on the time of year. If they start molting September or later, they usually just wait until the days start lengthening a bit in Spring.

Ahhh nooooo don’t tell me that spring??? Shoot.

Does winter put off the first egg? All of our pullets will be 20 weeks on Monday and still nothing from them even though some look ready.

 

[littleprairieheartsfarm]

Remember when this thread use to go really fast?
Check out the live chat on this video.

Yikes the comments some people make

 

[Kiki]

Yikes the comments some people make

I know, horrible.

 

[littleprairieheartsfarm]

I know, horrible.

I just can’t even imagine why they feel the need to make such comments? They are trying to get a rise out someone, I know, but there must be something missing in their lives to be capable of wanting to say such awful things.