I am interested in the subject of a forced molt. We only covered it very briefly in my poultry breeding class and I wanted some more info on the subject. Would it really even be possible in a free-range situation?
It is my opinion that it isn't a good idea and borders on abuse....to with hold water for hours from a gentle fowl that needs to drink often is not in any plans that most backyard flock owners have in mind. Backyard chicken owners take the high road....creating a better environment for their flock....producing superior eggs, while giving the hens a life the way God ment it to be. Convince me that a forced molt has any purpose in a healthy backyard flock? bigzio
In my opinion, that is a cruel practice undertaken by commercial operations and has no place in a backyard flock. I'm not even going to keep lights on in the winter since it causes reproductive cancers in chickens to force them to lay artificially. Can't imagine what forcing a molt would do to them. And to answer your question, I dont believe you can do that in a freerange situation. Read about it here: http://www.upc-online.org/molting/
I have no information on a forced molt other than the fact that it's used by commercial breeders. I appreciate the link and the info you have. The way my professor briefly explained it, it seemed to have more to do with lighting than food and water. I would never with-hold food or water from any animal. It goes against everything I believe in. If it could be done with a manipulation of light I may have considered it. I have several hens that I rescued who have damaged backs from being bred too much. I am trying to find a way to rejuvinate them and help kick start feather growth. Thanks for the info.
Additional protein and vitamin E will help them regrow their feathers. You can feed them eggs (cooked - scrambled/boiled) and black oil sunflower seeds (with the shells on). You can use vitamin E pills (liquid capsules), break the capsule over food or treats. Definitely keep them away from any boys and in a stress-less environment. Lots of sunshine & ranging will do them good, but apply some sunscreen to their bare spots or they'll burn!
To make them get it over and back into production fast. Some take a long time to molt. Forcing it makes it faster, but is very hard on the bird.
