modified diet during a molt?

[Obiwan Henobi]

It is that time of year when it looks like a chicken exploded in the coop--molting has begun and feathers are everywhere! What can I do to help them get through it? I've read multiple sources with conflicting advice ranging from:

1. increasing protein with supplements to their typical rations (meal worms
2. temporarily switching from a layer feed to a grower feed during molt (for increased protein)
3. switching to a low protein/high energy "resting" diet
4. do nothing--continue with normal laying rations

My girls are currently fed Kalmbach 17% protein layer feed. I am asking for the collective wisdom of the forum: Is it necessary to modify my hen's diet during their molt? What are your experiences?

 

[rosemarythyme]

(Not sure what #3 entails... what is considered a high energy diet? More fat?)

The idea with increasing protein is to help them feather in, though I don't know how noticeable the difference is and if so, what % would be optimal?

I don't really change anything (so #4) but I also normally feed a mixed diet of both grower and layer. As they tend to eat less in the winter their diet naturally skews more heavily towards the grower, which they'll finish off first before turning to the layer pellets, so they're getting a little more protein and a little less calcium during winter.

 

[Obiwan Henobi]

(Not sure what #3 entails... what is considered a high energy diet? More fat?)

The idea with increasing protein is to help them feather in, though I don't know how noticeable the difference is and if so, what % would be optimal?

I don't really change anything (so #4) but I also normally feed a mixed diet of both grower and layer. As they tend to eat less in the winter their diet naturally skews more heavily towards the grower, which they'll finish off first before turning to the layer pellets, so they're getting a little more protein and a little less calcium during winter.

So do you blend the grower and layer feed into one feeder or offer separate feeders? The "#3" diet was something I read from Chicken Whisperer magazine (https://chickenwhisperermagazine.com/health-and-wellness/rethinking-molting-and-molt-nutrition).

 

[NatJ]

It is that time of year when it looks like a chicken exploded in the coop--molting has begun and feathers are everywhere! What can I do to help them get through it? I've read multiple sources with conflicting advice ranging from:

1. increasing protein with supplements to their typical rations (meal worms
2. temporarily switching from a layer feed to a grower feed during molt (for increased protein)
3. switching to a low protein/high energy "resting" diet
4. do nothing--continue with normal laying rations

My girls are currently fed Kalmbach 17% protein layer feed. I am asking for the collective wisdom of the forum: Is it necessary to modify my hen's diet during their molt? What are your experiences?

Personally, I would go with the grower feed at that point. A molting hen does not need the extra calcium that is in layer feed.

If you are unsure about high protein vs. low protein, maybe let the hens have a choice. You could put out one feeder of high protein feed (grower feed or chick starter or something similar) and one of a low protein feed, and see what they choose to eat.

Along with any of your options, I would provide a source of calcium (probably a dish of oyster shell). That way a hen who keeps laying longer than the rest, or starts laying sooner in the spring, can get enough calcium without the others being forced to eat too much. Hens are usually pretty good at self-regulating calcium when you just leave it available.

 

[rosemarythyme]

So do you blend the grower and layer feed into one feeder or offer separate feeders?

I offer them separately, the grower as a fermented feed, brought out each morning, and the layer in dry pellet form which is available all day. The birds eat the grower first, but because I put out more of it in the winter and they eat less overall in fall/winter too, the end up eating a bigger ratio of grower to layer, thus increasing their protein intake and reducing calcium intake a little without any major change on my end.

The "#3" diet was something I read from Chicken Whisperer magazine (https://chickenwhisperermagazine.com/health-and-wellness/rethinking-molting-and-molt-nutrition).

Interesting, though dunno how many backyard keepers are interested in micromanaging their flocks to that degree. Sounds like more of a commercial approach.

 

[Apis mellifera]

It is that time of year when it looks like a chicken exploded in the coop--molting has begun and feathers are everywhere!

Once the chicken explodes it's too late. I take a different approach and mix a bag of flock raiser with 2 bags of feather fixer year round. Molts are much milder and some hens don't even look like they ever molt. I have higher fertility rates with eggs with the increased protein and free ranging.

 

[aart]

Is it necessary to modify my hen's diet during their molt? What are your experiences?

I feed 20% flock raiser all year long, with oyster shell in a separate feeder for the active layers. Simple and has worked well for 10+ years.

feather fixer

You know feather fixer does not 'fix' feathers?
It's just an 18% layer feed, same calcium percentage as most layer feeds. When it first came out it had some kind of proprietary insecticide to target feather shaft mites which was outlawed and they had to take it out, still keeping the misleading cover label.
Marketing ploys tick me off.

 

[Apis mellifera]

You know feather fixer does not 'fix' feathers?
It's just an 18% layer feed, same calcium percentage as most layer feeds.

You're right, but I don't have any other higher protein layers feeds near me.

 

[FrostRanger]

I agree with feed all flock year round, the higher protein is better for your birds regardless. You also won't have to switch feeds if someone takes a break from laying for some reason or you add more chicks or get a rooster. Just have oyster shell on the side and you'll be good

 

[WaterfowlsPoultry]

If you have oyster shells you won't need to switch feed like @FrostRanger says