Chickens look horrible-can't be molting can it?

[nconley11]

Thanks for all the responses! The mash is 18% and I just bought some sunflower seeds yesterday. When you give them meat other than fish what do you give and how (cooked?)

I tried to watch them last night a bit in roost and the 2 that looked the worst were definitely huddled with the roosters and I've seen lots of treading but not necessarily on those girls. They must just be his favorite!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks for all the responses! The mash is 18% and I just bought some sunflower seeds yesterday. When you give them meat other than fish what do you give and how (cooked?)

I tried to watch them last night a bit in roost and the 2 that looked the worst were definitely huddled with the roosters and I've seen lots of treading but not necessarily on those girls. They must just be his favorite!

Personally I would cook the meat. Some do give meat raw, so it's a preference. Only give enough that they will consume in a short period of time - you don't want foods to become rotten or moldy - this will cause other problems.

How may roosters to hens do you have?

 

[nconley11]

I know I have at least 3 maybe 4. I will be getting rid of some when I can find good homes for them. I think the last 12 I got was a random breed/sex box. I work at a zoo and the boss forgot we had them so I told him id take them home!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I know I have at least 3 maybe 4. I will be getting rid of some when I can find good homes for them. I think the last 12 I got was a random breed/sex box. I work at a zoo and the boss forgot we had them so I told him id take them home!

If you have a way to house the extra roosters separately in a bachelor pad, that may be helpful in reducing the feather damage. Even with 17(?) hens/pullets 3 or 4 roosters are too many. This will stress your girls, plus when the youngsters (cockerels) reach sexual maturity, it can create tension and fighting.