MOLTING ATTACK! HELP- Now there is blood! what to do??

[chick4chix]

Quote:
Hello chickiemomma.
You are soooo right about store eggs not being the same- not even close! My girls completely stopped laying (I hadn't had an egg for the past 8 weeks)!
I got my first egg yesterday from the hen that was my first layer originally (interesting) and she hadn't laid for 11 weeks. I find all of this fascinating, and keep a log of their laying patterns etc. I had a hunch she would be the first one back to laying because her comb and wattles started getting red again (they were palest pale during the molt) and she started doing the "egg squat" a few days ago. During the molt she was skittish and didn't want to be petted (all of them were in fact, when they are noramlly very friendly).

I have read that it can be two to three months without eggs while their systems restore themselves and they grow their feathers back. Just be sure and support them nutritionally during this stressful time, with lots of boss, xtra protein, and let them have their "rest".
The egg from yesterday was gorgeous- dark orange yolk- deeeelicious! Can hardly wait til they are all back from vacation- lol
Good luck with your girls- I hope they start laying soon for you.

 

[chickie momma di]

hi chiks for chiks
you are so right about the comb being pale as pale. we knew when gracie was ready to lay again by both the squat and bright red returning best of luck with your flock and happy turkey day

 

[Valicia]

Why do they attack the molting chicken? I had to separate one from the others, because they drew blood. I can't tell who is the leader. Once her feathers grow back, will she be able to return back with her sisters?