Feed and Egg Laying

[MissChessy]

I have had my chickens for 2 years now, going on 3. They are moulting right now which I understand will make them quit laying. I noticed that they are eating a lot of feed lately! They've never done this and are getting fat. I am located in the Gulf Region of Texas. Beginning to wonder if we are to expect colder than normal weather this year?? Just never seen my hens get this fat and eat this much feed? Anyone with experience in this department?

 

[MissChessy]

Anybody????? Heeellllooooo?

 

[The Chicken People]

no experience but maybe they dont like being called FAT lol

 

[LauraSBale]

Mine are eating alot to right now, but they are getting ready for winter, I let them go through their natural molt, i don't like to push them to hard into laying.
since its now fall here, there is not that many bugs, and other thing to eat, so they are eating more feed to take the place of all bug goodies, the last week i have been buying romain lettuce and some tomato's, and making some cooked rice for them. to supplement for them eating so much feed.

 

[DLS]

YES, Mine are eating up a storm & look fatter than in the summer.. I am feeding high protien neutrina feed. wonder if I should get lower protien feed so as they don't get so fat & just let them quit laying & molt away. For a rest period

 

[MissChessy]

Hmm that is interesting! I feed my hens 20% protein layer feed since they have been pecking each other's feathers out. They are looking a whole lot better though. I still think here in Texas we are gonna get some cold weather that we are really not used to getting due to these hens looking so fat! Never had this before. Even my cat's furs are very thick, more so than usual.

Thanks for posting guys. I was beginning to wonder if anyone would ever answer any of my posts!

 

[TexasVet]

According to the Almanac, Texas is going to have a colder and wetter than usual winter, followed by a sweltering and very wet summer. I'm planting as many trees as I can afford, hoping something makes it to the 'well rooted' stage before the next drought.

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.ChickenTrackin.com

 

[srsmith69]

Quote:
Would they prefer metabolically challenged?

 

[the simple life]

We have been going through alot of food lately, in fact my husband is at the grain store as we speak.
I was blaming it on the roosters but they seem to free range more than any of the hens.
I think they are just bulking up for winter.

 

[trilyn]

Quote:
Would they prefer metabolically challenged?