Molting, low appetite, decreased egg production

[harmohen]

This is my flock's first molt. I have a hen and rooster that hatched in late March, and 3 more hens that hatched in May. They were all excellent layers up until about a week ago, when the weather really cooled down (we're in Pittsburgh, PA) and I noticed feather loss. They also don't seem to be eating quite as much (although I did recently mix a new feed into their Manna Pro crumbles, which I don't think they like as much, so I plan to mix in more Manna Pro crumbles). I had one hen laying grey/celadon-ish eggs and I don't think she's laid in a week! Otherwise they all seem to be in really good health.

Is this okay? Should I supplement with some battery-powered lights around their hutch or other nutritional supplements? I don't plan to bring them inside for the winter until we're regularly hitting the low 40s, which I expect will be at least 6 weeks from now.

 

[Nabiki]

It's normal for them to take a break from laying while moulting. That being said, do you have the nutrition information for the feed? If you're feeding chicken feed, that doesn't have enough protein for them, and could also contribute to feather loss. Upping the protein of their feed before they're due to moult will help them recover from the moult faster.

If you want your quail to keep laying, you will need to provide 14-16 hours of light per day, but this will shorten their lifespans.

 

[harmohen]

Thank you! Yes, originally I had them on a 16% protein feed mixed with lots of freeze dried mealworms. I mixed in a 17% protein feed, which they absolutely do not like and I think is turning them off of their feed altogether. So I'll try switching back.