I have 4 pullets. They were hatched 5/7/13. I've noticed over the past couple of days that two of the girls are losing a lot of feathers. My RIR is blowing them when I pick her up. Then I noticed that the BO is as well. It's really cold here in MN, we have been close to -20F for several nights and today we didn't even reach 0F for a high temp. Could they be molting because of the stress of being so cold? We also haven't had any eggs for the past 4 days. I thought 7 months was a bit too young to be molting. I really wish they would have waited until it warms up a bit, which is not looking too hopeful in the near future. Is there anything more that I should do for them during the molt?
I'm feeding them some BOSS/scratch/mealworms in the morning and before bed, just a handful or two of the mix. Otherwise they get layer crumbles mixed with game bird feed, for a bit higher protein this winter. I also give them some greens or an apple during the day to pick on. Sometimes I scramble an egg or two for them. They get vitamin/electrolyte/probiotics in their water.
I'm feeding them some BOSS/scratch/mealworms in the morning and before bed, just a handful or two of the mix. Otherwise they get layer crumbles mixed with game bird feed, for a bit higher protein this winter. I also give them some greens or an apple during the day to pick on. Sometimes I scramble an egg or two for them. They get vitamin/electrolyte/probiotics in their water.
