I have a molting EE, and I am trying to find some sources of protein for her, because I have read that she needs that to help grow her feathers back
I am looking for sources of protein that I may have here at the house. Any suggestions would be greatly appreicated!!!
If you aren't a vegetarian or vegan yourself, then finding a little extra protein around the house for one hen is fairly easy.
Because animal protein is complete (contains all the amino acids necessary for chickens), it only takes a little to help them out. I've heard 1/2 an ounce extra a day is enough as a supplement. That's it!
So just scraping the scrambled egg pan, giving her the drained water from your canned tuna or sardines (and rinse the can out and pour that over her feed), or as someone else mentioned the drippings from a roast ... that kind of thing can really make a difference.
Methionine is usually the most limiting amino acid in chicken feed. Since animal protein contains methionine, then that methionine from the animal protein you supply as an extra will go to help fill any gaps in the complete protein balance in the chicken feed that may remain (after their added methionine) that she's eaten for the day and that also becomes extra protein to help her grow new feathers. (Yeah, not the best of explanations, but I'd need to draw a picture to do any better and blabber on longer.)
Suffice it to say that if you drop a morsel of meat on the floor, do save it for your hen. It takes very little animal protein per day to help her grow back her feathers. Assuming, of course, that you are providing her with a regular balanced layer feed free choice.
You could also make a chicken apron or saddle for her to wear while she grows back her feathers or if it seems to be taking longer than you'd like for her to grow them back. I had to do that one winter because with one or two hens, molting began, but then feather pecking started, and then winter kicked in, and I didn't want my hens having exposed skin all winter.
