How to get my ducks to molt

[Abraeri]

About half my flock did not molt last year. 3 have already molted this year - all of which molted last year. The feathers of the ones that did not molt are basically just shafts. How do I get them to molt? Other than forcing the to molt by withdrawing food and water? Any ideas? I'll see if I can get a picture of their pitiful feathers

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What are you feeding them? Are you adding any extra light or heat? You can only force a molt by manipulating the light and feed. Pictures would be helpful.

 

[Abraeri]

Layer feed, no extra light; I'm just confused why half would molt and the other half won't, even though they really need to.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Layer feed, no extra light; I'm just confused why half would molt and the other half won't, even though they really need to.

Layer feed may not have enough protein to support a molt. I would switch to something higher in protein like a flock raiser. Cut out extra treats too.

 

[chickens really]

Can you post a picture of what they look like please..

 

[Abraeri]

Layer feed may not have enough protein to support a molt. I would switch to something higher in protein like a flock raiser. Cut out extra treats too.

We have gamebird feed... it's 24%. It's crumble though. Would it work?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The easiest way to force molt is to cut day length. Put shade cloth on the windows. 8 hours of daily light should do the trick.

 

[Abraeri]

Here are pictures

 

[Abraeri]

The easiest way to force molt is to cut day length. Put shade cloth on the windows. 8 hours of daily light should do the trick.

They go in at dark (7:45) and are let out at 8:30 when they start quacking their heads off. What I don't get is why half molted last fall and half didn't. After all, they all got the same amount of daylight.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

They are individuals.