Molt

[vfrench]

We started raising chickens last year this year around November they molted. I felt like I could stuff three pillows with all the feathers. I have had different birds so I knew it was a molt but just before winter? The girls are done combs are pale and no eggs. What needs to be done if anything to encourage laying again. From Utah and just recent the temps dropped.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

There is no "right" time for a chicken to molt so your birds are no different from others. Even if they no longer are losing feathers, doesn't mean they aren't still molting so don't expect eggs right away. But in the mean time, be sure to feed them lots of protein. Give them water and watch for bullying behaviors.

Here is a link on molting
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/information-on-molting-chickens

Good luck!

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join the flock!! Great advice there for you from Mountain Peeps and the article is a good read. Hope you have some more eggs soon.
Good luck with your girls and hope you enjoy BYC

 

[drumstick diva]

Yes, up their protein. Chickens generally don't lay well into winter, so you shouldn't expect an instant rebound. I think you will be well rewarded when their laying systems come back on line.

 

[ChickyChickens]

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!!

 

[N F C]

Welcome to BYC! Nice to have you join us. The lone EE in our mixed flock has been molting (her feathers have finally stopped falling out) and I am SO looking forward to seeing her blue/green egg again in our egg basket. There's just no hurrying nature but providing the extra protein will help. Here's to more eggs for both of us!

 

[vfrench]

Thanks for the advice I will up their protein. I heard cat food was good. My cat owes me some food since I caught her in my hawks food. I will be looking forward to good advice and eggs again.

 

[N F C]

Thanks for the advice I will up their protein. I heard cat food was good. My cat owes me some food since I caught her in my hawks food. I will be looking forward to good advice and eggs again.

Just a heads-up...there is some reservation about feeding cat food to chickens. See the attached link (go toward the bottom) to read more. Maybe it's being overly cautious but I'd err on the side of being too careful when it comes to my animals.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-treat-chart-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens

 

[sunflour]

Glad you joined us. My girls are also molting, it is quite frustrating not only to us but to the chickens as well. Here's hoping they will all be over it soon.

 

[Book Em Danno25]