Molting chicken

[marctrejo]

I think one of my chickens is molting. She has the tale tale signs from what i have read on here. My question is should i keep her sepparated from my other hens or would it be alright for her to mingle? I am new at raising chickens. I plan on buying some dry cat food for added protien. But i just want to be sure it would be alright to have her with the rest.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have never separated anyone during a molt, just try not to handle them too much and don't be surprised if they look a little uncomfortable and if they hide for a week or so.

 

[marctrejo]

Thanks. She has stayed at the back of her coop. She has quit laying and eating and drinking somewhat. For the most part she looks all right

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Be careful with the cat food, I tried it one year, some didn't want it, others got a bit of diarrhea, I prefer to switch my birds to a higher protein feed like grower or all flock, you can also feed them eggs, meal worms, and a bit of cottage cheese amongst other things.

 

[aart]

Best to leave her with the flock, they can isolate themselves and get a bit lethargic when molting.

Ditto on the protein advice given by @oldhenlikesdogs ......from another old hen who likes dogs