Molting and Not eating layer feed

[ubumartin]

First molt for my 3 buff orp's, they do not seem to be eating any of the layer feed. I have been giving treats but have noticed that I have not been filling the feeder hardly at all. I am not treating more than usual I don't think.
I am getting worried but they don't seem to be starving. I just want them to get enough protein for the new feather growth. Any suggestions would be great.

 

[Judy]

They should be wanting more to eat, not less, unless they are really miserable from the molt. If it were me I'd probably replace the feed on the chance there is something wrong with it. You said you give treats, so it might also be that they aren't about to eat regular feed if enough goodies are coming their way every day.

 

[teach1rusl]

I agree with withholding treats. You also might opt for a higher protein feed (maybe flock starter or game bird feed) for the duration of the molt. You can offer oyster shell or egg shells freechoice to make up for calcium, although they're probably not laying much in a molt anyhow... The extra protein can help them recover from the molt quicker...

ETA: I am "treating" extra with sunflower seeds now, for an extra protein boost...

 

[ubumartin]

Thanks for the advice. I will stop all treats until they seem like they are eating the feed. It is a fresh bag so I don't know what the problem is. I will just keep watching them.