Hard molt

[Amazonlover]

Hi All,

I have a barred rock hen (she’s actually head hen of my flock), that are is going through a hard molt and I’m worried about her because she’s looking pretty scraggly and baldish and we’re pretty cold right now. She was also kind of walking to the side. So i brought her in yesterday and set up camp for her in a shower stall. She seemed much better today, but obviously her feathers aren't growing in overnight and I’m not sure I should put her back in the coop while we’re atill dropping down to mid 30’s at night (feels like mid to high 20s). Anyone else have experience with a chicken going through a hard molt?

 

[cavemanrich]

Provide your flock with extra protein during a molt. Helps regrow feathers somewhat faster. Canned cat food, contains protein, as well as some fat. The fat would translate into generating extra heat in chickens body. I know carbohydrates do that also.
You don't need to overdo the amount of cat food, but some would not hurt.
The temperatures are not severely cold yet,, But you can judge your chickens much better than someone not seeing them.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[Bshemyshua]

Provide your flock with extra protein during a molt. Helps regrow feathers somewhat faster. Canned cat food, contains protein, as well as some fat. The fat would translate into generating extra heat in chickens body. I know carbohydrates do that also.
You don't need to overdo the amount of cat food, but some would not hurt.
The temperatures are not severely cold yet,, But you can judge your chickens much better than someone not seeing them.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

We also have some chickens going through a hard molt. Canned cat food sounds like a good option for adding protein. What amount of canned cat food per chicken, per day would you recommend?

 

[Amazonlover]

Thanks @cavemanrich. Any experience with chickens walking kinda crossed legged? Like they’re a little drunk? That’s how she’s walking this morning and I’m a little freaked out

 

[cavemanrich]

We also have some chickens going through a hard molt. Canned cat food sounds like a good option for adding protein. What amount of canned cat food per chicken, per day would you recommend?

You can view my avatar, and see how chickens like to snack on catfood along with my cats. Not sure how many chickens you have, but a good start would be a tablespoon mixed to one cup of chicken feed. (mix it so first chicken there doesn't eat everything first) Use that as a ratio, to determine larger quantities. Dry cat food works also.

Thanks @cavemanrich. Any experience with chickens walking kinda crossed legged? Like they’re a little drunk? That’s how she’s walking this morning and I’m a little freaked out

No idea on that one,, Just hope she recovers soon.

 

[coach723]

I answered on the other thread, here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...s-legged-like-she’s-kinda-drunk-help.1679854/