Molting...HELP!!!

[thestix]

Oh my can't do that they say. I don't pay Any attn to these ppl.

 

[boskelli1571]

On the really cold mornings, I mix oatmeal,warm water into porridge consistency, add 1 dollop of yoghurt and voila!! a treat no hen can resist......you can also use chicken crumbles if you wish. Just add warm water & yoghurt.
I think the general consensus on eggs is scrambled is fine. As for meat, during winter months/molt I will feed them small/moderate amounts of cat food. Don't use cheap kibble - the dye from it goes straight through them. I almost had a heart attack when my chickens poop turned bright green!

Turned out to be the dye in the dry cat food!!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I have given them small amounts of tuna also. Although it can make the eggs taste a bit "off" if you know what I mean.
Heck they are not laying anyway.

Oh and I have tossed the turkey carcass from thanksgiving in there as well. Kinda creepy how they fight over it. Must be ok since they are still kicking after 4 holidays of "Toms coming to dinner".

 

[thestix]

Oh my. I agree with this but some tgink I am an idiot, like they're experts! I think the experts are here!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Certainly the more experienced are here. I have learned a lot from BYC over the years. Now I look for info on here first.

Oh lol a funny for any one needing a laugh.
A very well educated person once told me
" You can't eat the first eggs they lay."
"Why?" I asked
"Because they are full of yucky stuff."
"Yucky stuff?"
"You know from the flushing of the pipeline."

Not well educated when it comes to critters I guess.

Yucky stuff

 

[Michael Apple]

My chickens are molting and havnt layed any eggs in at least a month. They rarley leave the henhouse (because it is very cold where i live) and They dont eat or drink as much as they used to. They hardly touch their food. Is there somthing Im doing wrong? Iv been giving them a higher protein food but they still will not eat. I dont want them to die and Im cancerned then havnt layed in so long. Is this normal?

It isn't uncommon for birds to eat less or go off feed completely when moulting. That is why it is wise to be familiar with signs of oncoming moult. I've always noticed mature birds start to moult anywhere from late summer to early Winter. I supplement water and feed regularly but more often with the onset of Spring, harsh weather, or during moult. I use a poultry vitamin-electrolyte-probiotic in waterers, and supplement feed 3-4 times a week. Avio-Moult, Pre-molt 100 are a few very good supplements to use. Ferti-Cal is a good one during the breeding season. You mix 1 supplied scoop of Avio-Gel powder and whichever supplement you choose, and mix it with a fork or whisk in 150cc of warm water until it forms a paste. You then mix it with 2.2 lbs of feed so all feed is coated. You then let it dry for about 15 minutes and dole it out in the troughs.

I live in a temperate climate, so I don't use accessories others may use in very cold climates, such as water heater stands. I do know chickens avoid very cold water in cold weather. I will bring warm water in the mornings that last awhile, and that encourages drinking more in the morning. I make sure their feeding stations have covering/shelter from the rain and wind during the Winter. Large coops are great to have when the weather is nasty. I hope some of the info was helpful.

 

[theoldchick]

One of my favorite things to feed my molting flock is scrambled eggs mixed with dry cat food.


They love it!

 

[dawg53]

In addition to what Michael Apple stated, birds in molt can be given gamebird feed which is higher in protein and will help with feather regrowth. Once feathers are grown, wean them back to regular layer feed. Keep in mind that too much protein can cause gout. Care must be given when giving birds human food. Most foods contain high sodium content, including cat food. We all know what too much sodium does in humans, same for chickens and they are more susceptable to organ failure due to their high metabolism rate.

 

[mmch618]

They normally eat a layer feed (purina) but switched to nature wise feather fixer.