Molting hens

[Dmontgomery]

It's ideal to switch to a grower or flock raiser feed during molt. 18-20% protein and ~1% calcium is ideal. The extra protein will speed and support feather growth and the lower calcium will take pressure off their kidneys (as molting hens do not lay and as such are forced to excrete the extra calcium from layer feed through their kidneys).

You can also supplement with high protein treats like ground beef or scrambled eggs.

I'm already feeding Flock Raiser to all the chickens. Other than supplementing with scrambled eggs, should I do anything else? They aren't molting right now, I just want to be prepared if they do.

 

[Mrs. K]

Really, chicken food is best, anything else should just be a treat. I have fed a little bit of raw meat. But not every day. I have also, fed some cat food, but again not every day.

Once I asked a well known breeder, if he made his own feed. "No, those companies have scientist and scientific tests to provide exactly what my chickens need. Do feed the feather grower or all flock, but don't stress it.

Mrs K

 

[Dmontgomery]

Really, chicken food is best, anything else should just be a treat. I have fed a little bit of raw meat. But not every day. I have also, fed some cat food, but again not every day.

Once I asked a well known breeder, if he made his own feed. "No, those companies have scientist and scientific tests to provide exactly what my chickens need. Do feed the feather grower or all flock, but don't stress it.

Mrs K

Should I give the feather grower if the whole flock isn't molting? I have over 40 chickens.

 

[Spartan22]

Should I give the feather grower if the whole flock isn't molting? I have over 40 chickens.

Yes you can and have oyster shell for calcium on the side, 25% of my layers are molting and they're on flock raiser which is 20% protein to help recovery faster.

 

[Erikagies]

Hi, I'm a new member to the group And boy am I glad I joined. All my questions have just been answered. I'm also off to the feed store for some grower crumbles.
How long does the molting process usually take? Thanks for the help, Erika

 

[junebuggena]

Molting can take anywhere from two weeks to 4 months to complete, depending on the hen. Some are very slow molters, some are hard and fast. Make sure you get them a feed with at least 18% protein or higher.

 

[aart]

Quote: Nothing more to do......that's good combo.

Quote: If by 'feather grower' you mean the 'Feather Fixer' formulation by Nutrena(I think)...beware that it still has a rather high calcium content and only 18% protein.