Hard molt?

[kyleen]

This is my girl Bunches. She is 2. Easter egger. This started as a molt. The other day I noticed blood on her neck pin feathers. So I sprayed blue kote. I think the others are picking on her. Should I separate her? Or will it pass? She doesn’t want to be around the flock.

 

[LizzzyJo]

I would continue with the blue kote and keep her integrated. Re-integration will only cause more severe bullying. That's just my opinion.
She looks so cute and pathetic!

 

[Eggcessive]

Poor thing. What percent of protein is in the feed you are giving them? You might feed some extra protein now during the molt to all of them. Feed stores usually carry a gamebird feed or meatbird feed that is 24%, which can be mixed with layer. Or try 20% Flock Raiser instead. The BluKote may help hide the red and help to prevent pecking, but some say it attracts pecking. I have had good luck with it though. Make sure they are not overcrowded, and are getting out to free range. Molting chickens usually do not like being handled and feel rather lousy.

 

[kyleen]

I would continue with the blue kote and keep her integrated. Re-integration will only cause more severe bullying. That's just my opinion.
She looks so cute and pathetic!

My concern was reintegration too!

 

[kyleen]

Poor thing. What percent of protein is in the feed you are giving them? You might feed some extra protein now during the molt to all of them. Feed stores usually carry a gamebird feed or meatbird feed that is 24%, which can be mixed with layer. Or try 20% Flock Raiser instead. The BluKote may help hide the red and help to prevent pecking, but some say it attracts pecking. I have had good luck with it though. Make sure they are not overcrowded, and are getting out to free range. Molting chickens usually do not like being handled and feel rather lousy.

20% with daily meal worms. She’s eating and drinking just fine. Maybe I’ll try a 24% Meat bird as a supplement.

 

[jcoz]

Some of my birds are getting older and the molt gets tough on them. Sometimes they won't eat. I found hard boiling eggs and mashing them up seems to stimulate them. You said that your girl is eating, but I noticed my girls devour the egg crumbles no matter what. I also use the meat bird feed in the mix with their regular feed and have had good results.

 

[kyleen]

Some of my birds are getting older and the molt gets tough on them. Sometimes they won't eat. I found hard boiling eggs and mashing them up seems to stimulate them. You said that your girl is eating, but I noticed my girls devour the egg crumbles no matter what. I also use the meat bird feed in the mix with their regular feed and have had good results.

Thanks!!