FEATHER ISSUES

[BLACKCATFARM]

I HAVE A WYANDOTTE THAT HAS BEEN MOLTING FOR 4 MONTHS NOW. HER FEATHERS HAVE A CURL TO THEM. I HAVE ALSO CAUGHT HER IN THE ACT OF EATING AN EGG. WE HAVE LAYER CRUMBLE OUT, FREE CHOICE OYSTER SHELL, KITCHEN AND YARD SCRAPS A WELL AS OCCASSIONAL YOGURT OR COTTAGE CHEESE. WHAT'S GOING ON WITH HER FEATHERS?

 

[featheredplanets]

She could be low in the protein department, what percentage is your layer feed? The curled feathers only brings frizzled feathering to mind, could you post a picture?

 

[4 ever Orpington]

I HAVE A WYANDOTTE THAT HAS BEEN MOLTING FOR 4 MONTHS NOW. HER FEATHERS HAVE A CURL TO THEM. I HAVE ALSO CAUGHT HER IN THE ACT OF EATING AN EGG. WE HAVE LAYER CRUMBLE OUT, FREE CHOICE OYSTER SHELL, KITCHEN AND YARD SCRAPS A WELL AS OCCASSIONAL YOGURT OR COTTAGE CHEESE. WHAT'S GOING ON WITH HER FEATHERS?

 

[BLACKCATFARM]

She could be low in the protein department, what percentage is your layer feed? The curled feathers only brings frizzled feathering to mind, could you post a picture?

HER LAYER FEED IS AT %PROTEIN, BUT I ALSO GIVE BLACK OILED SUNFLOWER SEED AND MEAL WORMS. WHAT IS FRIZZLED FEATHERS? BECAUSE THAT IS EXACTLY HOW IT LOOKS!

 

[featheredplanets]

HER LAYER FEED IS AT %PROTEIN, BUT I ALSO GIVE BLACK OILED SUNFLOWER SEED AND MEAL WORMS. WHAT IS FRIZZLED FEATHERS? BECAUSE THAT IS EXACTLY HOW IT LOOKS!

Frizzle. The feathers start curling in the middle, they’re really soft.

It’s possible your hen isn’t absorbing all of the much needed protein due to other factors, like table scraps and treats. You should make only her layer, oyster shell and protein supplements available for a few weeks. Be sure not to over do it on mealworms as they’re high in fat, you can give: cat food, locusts, cooked eggs, fish meal, pumpkin seeds, sprouted grains, there’s a lot more too. You could also try finding a layer feed of at least 18% if you don’t have one already, or mix in some chick crumb or grower.

 

[BLACKCATFARM]

HEY! THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE ADVICE. I WILL MAKE SOME AMENDMENTS TO THEIR DIET. I ALSO TREATED ALL OF THE CHICKENS FOR MITES WITH DIATAMAEOUS EARTH THIS EVENING. I NOTICED A DIFFERENT CHICKEN WITH JUST A FEW STRIPPED FEATHERS. NONE OF THE OTHER CHICKENS ARE AS BAD AS THAT PARTICULAR WYANDOTTE. THANKS AGAIN!

 

[getaclue]

Looking in the feed bowl, it has far too many treats. During molt, you can change from layer feed to grower feed, which is a little higher in protein. A little canned cat food is a good occasional treat for them when in molt too.

 

[3riverschick]

Hi,
If all your chickens are over 16 weeks old ,get a bag of " Nutrena feather fixer " poultry feed. Tractor Supply sells it . it's just excellent for all birds over 16 weeks old , especially if they are molting! I used it on my flock and was astounded at how beautiful the new feathers were that came in. also one of my hens laid through the molt! which was really nice.
Best ,
Karen

 

[Frazzemrat1]

I'd switch from layer to finisher or all flock, and keep the OS on the side. I think she's not getting enough protein, and probably too much calcium.

 

[getaclue]

Normally, they don't go into full molt unless they're over a year old. While most of us seem to be splitting frog hairs, the bottom line is: during molt, increase the protein to 18%. Feather fixer, and most grower, finisher feeds are 18% protein. Just check the label before buying. Feeds tend to use vegetable sources for protein, and mine really benefit from some extra animal protein, which is why I treat with canned cat food during molt.