Hello from Iowa!

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tweetyscage

tweetyscage

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My family and I are new to raising chickens, my daughters age 13 and 11 talked their dad into it!

We are so glad they did and never expected to enjoy chickens so much. We purchased our chicks last May and after a few trials and tribulations we have 14 hens.

Is it possible for them to still be going through a molt? We have 2 that are laying one egg per day but the rest have not layed since it has gotten colder, probably early December. The feathers on a few still seem to be falling out. Do I need to add something to their diet, we are just using layer feed now with lots of fresh water ( hard to do this time of year, LOL).

Any feedback would be appreciated!

Thanks!
 
Hello there and welcome to BYC!
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If they started molting late last year, yes it is possible they are still molting. Birds molt at different rates depending on their health, their diet, stress and other factors. The best you can do is keep the treats down to a dull roar during a molt because they really need to be eating a good healthy diet. Feathers are made up of 85% protein and can be quite stressful on them to begin with. I like to add cooked ground Turkey to their diet during a molt. Meat is a complete protein and easy to break down for good feather growth. Helps them grown them in better and faster. A couple times a week on the meat. My birds are just now finishing up with their molts. Yours are probably not far behind.

Good luck with your flock and welcome to ours!
 
Welcome to BYC!
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I'm glad you joined our "flock"
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It is possible that they are still molting. My older hens started molting around November and have only now started laying again. The layer feed should be sufficient. Though, if they're losing lots of feathers, providing some extra protein in the form of sunflower seeds, mealworms, or scrambled eggs could help.

Good luck with your birds!
 
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I'm glad you joined us!

It wouldn't be unusual for your hens to still be molting, or at least not quite ready to lay again. A few of my hens began molting in October, and they haven't started laying yet, either. As the weather gets warmer and the daylight hours increase, your hens should be more stimulated to lay.

Good luck with your flock!
 
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Welcome to BYC!!! There are loads of members on here…so if you have ANY questions…just ASK!!!

Hope you have loads of fun and all your answers answered here on BYC the BEST CHICKEN KEEPING FORUM on EARTH!!

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Hens often slow down or stop egg production during the dark, dreary months of winter., even without molting. With spring coming they should be ready to begin anew. Welcome to Backyard chickens.
 

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