Behaviour

[Harmsody]

Last winter when my chicken started malting and stopped laying, she became vicious. Do you think it will happen again this winter and are there ways to prevent it?

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!

You can't really prevent molting, they need to do it.
The behavior could have many causes,
tho growing new feathers can be 'uncomfortable' and can make a hen crabby.
More info would be needed describing the 'vicious' behavior and your flock management.

 

[Harmsody]

As its going into winter she is becoming aggressive again. Last winter she attacked my brother and lately she pecks you if you go near her, she is normally very quiet and kind.

 

[Harmsody]

 

[aart]

Molting birds are grumpy birds....those pin feathers are 'uncomfortable'....they will often isolate, they don't even want their flock mates touching them.

So if it's 'going into winter' you must be in the southern hemisphere?
Adding your location to your profile can prevent any confusion and garner better answers/suggestions.

 

[Harmsody]

Yeah I'm in Australia. Is there anything I can do to decrease her discomfort?

 

[Ravynscroft]

Increase her protein to help her get enough for her diet needs and for feather growth... may or may not help her grumpiness... and avoid picking her up unless absolutely necessary...

I can't think of anything else except to just give her her space until she finishes her molt... almost always a wise course of action with any female feeling out of sorts, lol...

 

[Harmsody]

Thank you, I have just been leaving her be at the moment. She is eating layer ration.

 

[Ravynscroft]

Thank you, I have just been leaving her be at the moment. She is eating layer ration.

What % of protein is the layer ration? Here ours is lower than what I prefer to give while molting... a flock raiser/all flock or grower feed usually has higher protein and suits their needs more...

 

[Harmsody]

To tell you the truth I don't know, I'll have a look tomorrow