molting/protein?

[Bogtown Chick]

Your birds shouldn't really molt until they are about 18 months old. did your Rooster go through an illness that you are aware of or some sort of stressor?

 

[Chrysolinsbirds]

Thanks everybody for all the great ideas to help my flock thru our first molt =)

 

[fatcatx]

Several have referenced specifically "fish based" cat food. Curious as to why only fish based? The formulated % is the same regardless of the protein source. Is there another reason?

 

[centrarchid]

Several have referenced specifically "fish based" cat food. Curious as to why only fish based? The formulated % is the same regardless of the protein source. Is there another reason?

Animal proteins like fish are generally easier to digest and assimilate than proteins of otherwise similar plant derived feedstuffs. Some of the difference is do to ease of breaking down proteins into constituent amino acids and some is due to anti-nutritional factors.

 

[richicken]

can they eat the shell as well as the seed?

 

[KnoxvilleChick]

Switching to a higher protein feed (like a whole flock feed or even grower/developer) and then offering a free choice calcium supplement (like oyster shell or eggshell or a combo) has worked for me. That, and we compost in the chicken run, so there are lots of bugs in addition to the kitchen scraps. My girls don't eat out of the feeder too much, they mostly forage in the yard, but I have noticed higher feed consumption during molting time. I think they know what they need, and they will take it if they have access to it.

 

[MMGerlinger]

My oldest hen (2-3 years old) has been going through a molt for the past month or so.... Her feathers are coming back now. I bought some stuff at our feed store that they made there, had sunflower seeds, bugs, mealworms, and other stuff. But, my chickens basically get everything that we would otherwise compost, so I tried to really up their protein intake too, and did a chick boost supplement .... I did the supplement in their water also to help with immunity because a few have been sick.

But, one of my first chickens that I got, in June, that's about 7 months old now I think finally laid her first egg Sunday!!!!!! We only had 5 currently laying hens and they all stopped laying eggs about a month ago when they were sick..... But, found one in the box today & Sunday, so hopefully they'll start up again. Also, gotta try to search elsewhere Just In Case they are hiding too.......

-Melissa

 

[All Henned Up]

I had a big problem with plucked feathers, I started feeding that Feather Fixer feed and the results are amazing,, the feathers are all coming in nicely.  I am going to continue feeding that feed even after their feathers come back.  There was an article about the feed earlier this month on this forum, good read.

I also starting using this feed about 2 months ago WOW THIS STUFF REALLY WORKS!!! if your birds are molting then give this stuff a try, you will be amazed of how fast you'll notice a difference. It is made with all the right stuff your birds need to grow feathers, well balanced, a no brainer! They do recommend to offer oyster shell free choice while using it.
Thank you Nutrena for making FEATHER FIXER, what an outstanding product!

 

[suebgbr]

I sent them a message asking if there was a supplier in the U.K
They didn't even have the decency to reply. I am about to open a small feed shop and would have bought in bulk.
Their loss....

 

[Shabana]

I'm also in the uk and would love to get my hands on the feather fixer product. I too sent them an email for stockists over here but have not received a reply

I have 2 cats and so I pinch their cat food and anything they leave gets offered to my birds they go crazy for it. I also offer tinned tuna.

They do get mealworms and crickets too but less often as they can be quite a bit more costly over here.

I've just got my first flubenvet wormer as I've noticed a long worm in a poop. Will it be ok to worm them while a couple of them are still moulting ?
I've used the gut conditioner preventative ones previously but bought flubenvet now I've actually seen them.