Feeding Molting Hens

[KikiDeAnime]

Didn't really see a thread like this anywhere so I thought I'd start one.
I'm not posting to ask what I should feed our hens, this is more of a learning thread for everyone else.
Our 2 year old hens are the only ones molting right now so everyone else looks better than them

What does everyone feed their molting hens during the winter?

 

[TooCheep]

I feed a higher protein mix. Molting chickens need protein to replace their feathers and a higher protein mix makes it easier and faster for them to get back to normal.

 

[aart]

I feed Flock Raiser(20%) to all my chooks from hatch to harvest...
....never fed anything else. Just makes simple sense to me.
Allows for some treating and OS is in a separate feeder for the actively laying birds.

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

Mine get a little protein boost in the form of a small amount of dry cat food, or meat scraps such as the remnants after making chicken or turkey stock.

 

[blackdog043]

I feed 20% non medicated starter grower with oyster shell in a separate container. I don't do anything else to boost protein.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I have two hens molting. A 44 months old Golden Comet, about 2 to 3 weeks in. . A 16 months old Barred Rock just finishing molt. . Comb is pale, don't expect an egg for another month, based on experience with my Comets.
I am seeing more feathers lately in Rocks coop, ,so another is starting, just not visibly showing on any yet. .
I also have a retired Comet, hasn't laid since last spring.
I feed all a 18/20% Protein Non-Medicated Starter-Grower or a All-Flock/Flock Raiser Crumble (whichever is fresher or available when I'm at TSC) year round with Oyster Shells in a separate container. GC

 

[Mosey2003]

I basically feed everything the same thing year round - depending on my whim and coupons, either chick starter or our Rural King brand meatbird crumble. The meatbird is 21% protein and includes animal protein, and I really like that. Right now I'm using Nutrena chick starter because it's 18% and I wanted to go a little lower on these pullets I'm growing so that I don't push them to lay too fast (I think the 21% I used last time might have pushed them a bit, trying something different to see anyway).

Anyway, for molt, you really want something higher protein than regular 16% layer and you really don't want the high calcium level of layer, because they aren't actually laying. In my opinion, anyway.

They sell a feed called Feather Fixer, specifically for molting. It's pricey. You can feed a starter or grower or an All Flock or a broiler/meatbird formula. Just leave oyster shells out in case they want them.

 

[aart]

They sell a feed called Feather Fixer, specifically for molting.

Marketing BS......has 3+% calcium.
First was touted to be a mite preventative...which turned out to be sulfur. SMH.

"Feather Fixer™ with Mite-Fighter™ Technology is a unique and innovative life-stage product that can also be fed year round if desired. ... Mites are external parasites that all poultry are highly susceptible to. All hens and roosters go through molt (losing feathers and regrowing them) annually."

 

[Mosey2003]

Yeah I know, @aart , but it always gets brought up anyway so I figure might as well mention it. I think it's stupid.

 

[aart]

Yeah I know, @aart , but it always gets brought up anyway so I figure might as well mention it. I think it's stupid.

Add the stupid and why to your mention