Make sure there isn't any condensation in the coop or run (sign of not enough ventilation). If you have a fancy thermometer that also shows humidity, see if coop humidity is close to the same as outdoor humidity, if it is, then you are good.This is my 2nd year with my hens but this is their first moult. They are now 18 months old, so right on schedule.
I have 4 Black Sexlinks. So far it appears to a soft moult, but Im keeping a close eye. I've begun slowly swapping their feed to Cluck'n Good 19% protein layers mash. (Locally produced).
We are entering winter and already at night it goes down to -15/-20C, and in a few short months we will be at -60C.
I do suppliment their heat with a Kozy Coop panel heater and a Thermocube set to 3C, hen house is fully draft free with ventilation and the run is fully tarped up with Mil 6 plastic sheeting.
Any advice on how to make it through the next few months? I'm beginning to think I'll need a backup emergency plan to house multiple birds indoors if they don't have any natural thermal layering.
Has anyone gone through this before?
As to naked chickens.... I would definitely feed them the 19% protein feed.
Also, I would put a light in the coop, maybe coop and run... so they can have 10 to 12 hours of eating time.
If it gets any colder i would feed them a bit more fat and protein.
So.... freezer burnt salmon, tunafish, whatever... mix a bit of scratch and whatever left over fat/good oil you have with some of the mash.