18 mo. hen molting 1st time in December, pooping water

[laurendubinsky]

Hi everyone! The sweetest hen in my 4 hen flock began molting 2 weeks ago, which is bizarre considering that we have consistently had temps in the 20s for almost 2 months now. It is unusually cold in NC this year.

About a week ago (from what I can tell) she stopped laying and has been **pooping water**, and eating very little.

I took her to the vet and her fecal test just came back negative for any bacterial/parasitic issues. He said she otherwise looks healthy but stressed. I have been keeping her inside for the last 3 days.

Now that I know it won't spread to the other chickens, I think she can go outside? But (1) it's 20s every night & she's 1/2 naked and (2) we are leaving for our 10 day vacation next Thursday right when the 15 degree cold front is coming in. My neighbors watch the chickens while we leave but what are they supposed to do to keep her warm with that severe temp drop and no feathers?

Any advice on the watery poop or moving outdoors is really appreciated. Thank you!

 

[SmiYa0126]

She looks like she's very well feathered, however she may lose more feathers while you're away and since she's not eating well she could lose a lot of weight quickly . Can your chicken sitter keep her with them? Or check on her in your bathroom while you're away? When we had a snap last winter I read from a poster where his hen froze to death.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would put her back with her flock where she would be more comfortable. She will eat better around them, and she will rest. After just 3 days inside, it shouldn’t be too harsh to put her back. You can offer her and the others some scrambled egg bits or a can of rinsed tuna or other protein, to make sure that she is eating. Mine love a small pan of wet chicken feed occasionally. If you keep her separated, she will get used to the warmer temperature, and will lose her place in the pecking order. They do much better with their buddies and normal routine. She will roost with the others and stay warm, and her feathers will soon be replaced by new ones. Make sure they have a place to get to where the wind is blocked. Many use bales of straw to block wind in their runs in winter. Molting chickens feel a bit lousy, but most will get by just fine. Molting usually occurs around 18 months old the first time and then every 12 months. I like to time mine so they will first molt around August, but some chickens just molt when they feel like it.

 

[laurendubinsky]

i everyone! The sweetest hen in my 4 hen flock began molting 2 weeks ago, which is bizarre c

I would put her back with her flock where she would be more comfortable. She will eat better around them, and she will rest. After just 3 days inside, it shouldn’t be too harsh to put her back. You can offer her and the others some scrambled egg bits or a can of rinsed tuna or other protein, to make sure that she is eating. Mine love a small pan of wet chicken feed occasionally. If you keep her separated, she will get used to the warmer temperature, and will lose her place in the pecking order. They do much better with their buddies and normal routine. She will roost with the others and stay warm, and her feathers will soon be replaced by new ones. Make sure they have a place to get to where the wind is blocked. Many use bales of straw to block wind in their runs in winter. Molting chickens feel a bit lousy, but most will get by just fine. Molting usually occurs around 18 months old the first time and then every 12 months. I like to time mine so they will first molt around August, but some chickens just molt when they feel like it.

Thank you! You think she will do okay in 14 degrees without the feathers on her undercarriage/crop/vent? I put her back out this morning as an experiment and the other chickens attacked her and she ran straight into the coop where she has been all day.

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you go out with her among the chickens, and supervise their visit? Were they picking on her before you separated her? When I separate a broody hen for 4-5 days, and then bring them back, there is sometimes a peck and some chasing, but they eventually stop. Is she running into a nest box? Do you have flat roosts, or are they round? When my hens roost, they are on 2x3 boards with the wide side up. They keep their feet covered by sitting on them. Of course, use your own judgement about separating her. You don’t want her hurt. She could also be placed with them in a wire cage with food and water, on bedding, so that she remains part of the flock.