Molting Chicken: Tips?

[HappyChickens101]

Only one of my chickens is molting. What can I do to help her grow feathers or keep her warm in the winter? I don’t particularly want to buy a whole bag of special feed for just one chicken. It’s getting colder now because it’s becoming winter soon. Also, will she be fine if I don’t do anything and let molting do it’s thing?

 

[picklestheduck]

In have this issue too!!! I honestly have the same questions! I was kinda just planning on let her do her own thing, but maybe I should do something?

 

[HappyChickens101]

In have this issue too!!! I honestly have the same questions! I was kinda just planning on let her do her own thing, but maybe I should do something?

Exactly, because molting is natural but I feel bad for her because it’s cold so I want her to get her new feathers fast.

 

[3KillerBs]

Because I have a mixed flock of different ages and sexes I feed 18-20% all-flock feed with oystershell on the side for all my birds.

That's high enough protein to support growing chicks and molting adults but ensures that the layers get their calcium.

Tennesee is a big state so I don't know if you're in a warm area like my part of NC or up in the mountains where you get a severe winter, but as long as your hen can get out of the wind she's probably OK.

I'm told that they regrow their new feathers faster in cold weather.

 

[HappyChickens101]

Because I have a mixed flock of different ages and sexes I feed 18-20% all-flock feed with oystershell on the side for all my birds.

That's high enough protein to support growing chicks and molting adults but ensures that the layers get their calcium.

Tennesee is a big state so I don't know if you're in a warm area like my part of NC or up in the mountains where you get a severe winter, but as long as your hen can get out of the wind she's probably OK.

I'm told that they regrow their new feathers faster in cold weather.

Thank you so much.

 

[Mrs. K]

Yep, they know more about being chickens than we do.

Good feed, good water, wind protection and they will be fine. It seems so counter intuitive, but it works. Leave them be and let them do what they want is really very good advice.

Mrs K

 

[rosemarythyme]

I don't change anything specifically for molting birds, but I also feed a mixed diet and skew it more towards grower vs layer when we're closing in on fall-early spring. But I'm less concerned about them feathering in faster (they'll re-grow the feathers in normal conditions) and more about reducing calcium intake when laying is slow/stopped.

 

[Sally PB]

These last few months, I've been giving my chickens a protein boost with Calf Manna. I add it to their chickie snack (their food, wetted into a mash) in the afternoon. 1/3 cup, about 3 times a week. A scant tablespoon per bird. Their regular food is a starter/grower, so if I do give them treats (usually greens, or vegetable scraps), they still get enough protein.

All the molting hens look really nice now.