I've got a couple of questions on molting: 1. When does it happen and for how long? 2. Does egg-laying stop? 3. Can you give them dry kitty food for extra protein? Thanks!! -Shannon
Funny you asked this... I've been checking into the same thing! from what I understand (and there are exceptions as every chicken is different) but generally they moult once every year and start at about a year (some two years). they do not lay eggs while moulting because thier body needs all that energy and nutrients to grow new feathers. It lasts about 2 months but can be sped up with extra protien. As far as cat food goes, there is a chart on the BYC site that lists what you should and should not feed your chickens. Cat food was on the should not feed list. I'm not sure why, perhaps I can find the link, but it had some toxin that was not good for a chickens digestive track. perhaps some scrambled egg or some yogurt?
I do give my birds higher protein feed when they are molting the only problem is that they usually don't all molt at the same time and I have had birds molt in the winter. My birds molts usually last about a month. Many times I also add vitamins with electrolytes in their water also, especially, when it is hot out. They usually stop laying during their molt but can lay an egg during their molt. Here is the link to BYC Chicken Treat Chart. https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart
