Empty feeders = Missing feathers?

[NHMountainMan]

The birds will go through several molts their first year. You may not notice but they do. After their first year they then usually molt once a year and some molts can be heavy where you may notice the feather loss and some light where you hardly see any feather loss. Also usually Grower feeds are higher in protein too. I would try the feather fixer.

Thanks - I'll give the higher protien feed after they knock off the remainder of the current bag.

 

[aart]

I know that TSC sells something called "feather fixer" with a 22% portion mix. I don't think I'm dealing with molt, because they are only 6 months old. But should I switch to the higher protein to help them regrow the missing feathers? thanks as always!

As far as I know Feather Fixer is 18% protein and 3-4% calcium.
Long story on the marketing 'scam' of that feed.
What are you feeding now?

Chickens go thru 2-3 molts between hatch and about 5-6 months.
Hard to say if the missing feathers in this case are a molt or some picking due to confinement and the feed running out...I'd guess that latter.
As long as there's no wounds, I'd not worry about it unless it continues.
Feathers will not regrow unless they were fully plucked out, watch area for new pin feathers.

 

[NHMountainMan]

As far as I know Feather Fixer is 18% protein and 3-4% calcium.
Long story on the marketing 'scam' of that feed.
What are you feeding now?

Chickens go thru 2-3 molts between hatch and about 5-6 months.
Hard to say if the missing feathers in this case are a molt or some picking due to confinement and the feed running out...I'd guess that latter.
As long as there's no wounds, I'd not worry about it unless it continues.
Feathers will not regrow unless they were fully plucked out, watch area for new pin feathers.

Thanks. I’m feeding a 16% protein full flock feed and offering oyster shell on the side.
I don’t believe in coincidence- the feather loss happened while we were away and they were confined. So it’s likely related to the confinement. And you’re correct as always- the nutrena feather fixer feed is 18%. Not sure why I thought 22%. Looks like I’m going to need to read some articles on molting and feed!

 

[cmom]

Game Bird and Meat Bird feed are higher in protein. I usually use Game Bird but when my feed store was out of Game Bird I have used Meat Bird. My birds seemed ok with the feed. During breeding season I use Game Bird Breeder at the suggestion of one of the country's top breeder, BYC member and president Of the Rhode Island Red Club of America. Several years ago he gave me my start with my SC RIR's. He is the one that got me to use the feeds I'm using.

 

[aart]

I’m feeding a 16% protein full flock feed

What brand and model...and calcium percentage?