molting and hi-protein feed

[JudyMcKinn]

My hens look like a real mess--feathers all over the pen, and they are scraggly as I don't know what. Seems like I saw somewhere here that extra protein helps them grow their new feathers. I got a sack of game chick feed, which is way high in protein, and have 2 feeders in the henhouse--one of the game bird feed and one of their normal egg pellets. They seem to be eating only the game bird feed. Is this because they sense they need the protein, or is it maybe just tastier, and if this is the case, will all this additional protein hurt them??

 

[dlhunicorn]

great solution Judy!!!

 

[ella]

I very much doubt it will hurt them. I feed chick starter exclusively during molting and I've seen a great improvement in stress levels and feather quality. I think they really need that extra protien and they're putting it to good use.

If you leave out free choice oyster shell they will pick up what they need.

 

[DuckLady]

I have been throwing out a couple handfuls of dry cat food every day to help with the protein level.

If they only ate what they need, they must need my tomatoes....BAD.

 

[JudyMcKinn]

Thanks, all. Yes, I always keep out oyster shell and grit, free choice. Let's hope some feathers get going here pretty quick. LOL

 

[DuckLady]

Oyster shell provides calcium, not protein.

 

[Windy Ridge]

Oyster shell provides calcium, not protein.

True... but as layers, they may still need extra calcium from oyster shell that the higher protein chick starter has even less of than regular lay rations. For the hens that keep laying through molt, I'd think the suggestion of continuing to provide oyster shell free choice is a good one.