feed during molt?

[Tad]

is there anything I can do to speed up or increase egg production during molt....feed wise?

 

[Wynette]

Not really; part of the reason they molt is that they need a break from laying. It's really hard on their bodies, and takes most of their energy growing new feathers in, with not much left for laying.

That being said, you CAN add extra protein to help them along in the process of molting; I do this by throwing in a few handfulls of dry cat food every other day during molt. It's the only time I use dry cat food, as too much protein isn't good for them, but it does help them during molt.

 

[Chickn chick 46]

I try to give them a bit more protein and calcuim by giving yogurt or cooked eggs as treats. I gave them a chopped up boiled egg and they went piranha on me. I had to run, fast!! Scrambled eggs get the same reaction.

Theres been alot of discussion on this lately, good info.

 

[Tad]

I am down to 4 eggs out of 18 a day, its a little disturbing, they get free range grass and free choice layer, I will mix a little turkey starter in in the morning with the layer feed, and go from there

 

[gumpsgirl]

Unfortunately, a molt is something you need to plan for every year. This is something that just can't be avoided, disturbing or not. It's just the way their bodies work.

 

[Chickn chick 46]

Quote:
Exactly, they need a bit of a rest. Egg laying is hard on their systems. They will gear up again, patience during molt is hard and frustrating, but necessary, IMO

 

[peacedove]

I have 23 1 1/2 year old hens and I am getting 2 eggs a day

Next year I will be sure to hatch some chicks just to carry me over this time of year. My friends six '09 spring girls are laying like crazy.

 

[wombat]

The yogurt and scrabled egg suggestions are good. We also feed small amounts of canned cat food (none with chicken in them!).

You should also allow the number of hours of light to decrease naturally, and let them rest.

Commercial molt cycles run about 10 weeks before the flock returns to 50% production.

If you add some new layers each year, you'll have young pullets laying through the molt cycle of your older hens.