I have heard it said so often how chicks grow into an ugly or awkward stage. Personally, I never did see my chicks grow ugly or awkward. They just grew and changed. Now I hear people talk about molting. Being a newbie at this, I am wondering if my chicks are in molt. They don't seem like they are looking any different except that they are continuing to grow, but the immense number of feathers all over makes me wonder, is this molt? Does anyone have pictures of their birds in molt? What should I be looking for to identify this stage, and when does molt usually take place? Do they need more protein when in molt?
Ok, did some basic research. Should have done that before asking I guess. 18 months or so for a first molt. Hmmmmm. But the question still remains. My chicks are only 14 weeks old, and losing a ton of feathers. Additionally, I have seen them eating some of the feathers. I DID look that up and found that it was a protein deficiency. They get 21% protein from their feed, along with sunflower and other seeds, cooked sweet potatoes, tons of kitchen scraps, melons, garden scraps, cottage cheese, canned tuna, raisins, and even a half of a salmon from the freezer. Whatever, pretty much. (No, they are not spoiled - LOL) So what gives? What am I missing???
Ok, did some basic research. Should have done that before asking I guess. 18 months or so for a first molt. Hmmmmm. But the question still remains. My chicks are only 14 weeks old, and losing a ton of feathers. Additionally, I have seen them eating some of the feathers. I DID look that up and found that it was a protein deficiency. They get 21% protein from their feed, along with sunflower and other seeds, cooked sweet potatoes, tons of kitchen scraps, melons, garden scraps, cottage cheese, canned tuna, raisins, and even a half of a salmon from the freezer. Whatever, pretty much. (No, they are not spoiled - LOL) So what gives? What am I missing???
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