Molting question.

[Apags18]

This is Lemon Drop, our 3.5 year old Buff Orpington. This is her (technically) 2nd molt. She didn’t molt her first year when she was about 18 month old. Not sure why. Last year she had a very light molt. Mostly just lost and grew new feathers around her neck. This year she’s going through a harder molt. She still has a lot of feathers but I just checked her over and she’s got pin feathers all over her body. Her comb and wattles are more pale than they are during the year, she’s been more subdued and doesn’t eat as much as she usually does and she’s had some liquid poops. I know molting season is hard on the chickens and they can act sick, but this is the first time she’s gone through it with so many pin feathers so I’m just wanting to reach out to see if this all seems like normal molting behavior or something else. She’s also special needs. She was hit by a buggy when she was young so her legs are a little funny and she walks different. She can walk and do normal chickens things and always wants to be held. She’s actually still wanting to be held during this time and doesn’t seem to mind it, but I’m trying to limit it because I know that can be uncomfortable with pin feathers.

Her comb and wattles did start turning pale when she started her molt so that’s what I think is causing that. She’s not eating as much as usual and she actually didn’t even eat much of the scrambled eggs I gave her in that picture. I checked her crop and there isn’t much. Mostly feels like water. She’s pecking around a little with the flock, but not like usual. We have a couple other hens who go through very hard molts, but we are always ready for that because we’ve seen it happen to them every year.

Any suggestions or tips would be appreciated! We have been giving them vitamins and electrolytes and scrambled eggs while they are molting.

 

[RedHillChicken]

This is Lemon Drop, our 3.5 year old Buff Orpington. This is her (technically) 2nd molt. She didn’t molt her first year when she was about 18 month old. Not sure why. Last year she had a very light molt. Mostly just lost and grew new feathers around her neck. This year she’s going through a harder molt. She still has a lot of feathers but I just checked her over and she’s got pin feathers all over her body. Her comb and wattles are more pale than they are during the year, she’s been more subdued and doesn’t eat as much as she usually does and she’s had some liquid poops. I know molting season is hard on the chickens and they can act sick, but this is the first time she’s gone through it with so many pin feathers so I’m just wanting to reach out to see if this all seems like normal molting behavior or something else. She’s also special needs. She was hit by a buggy when she was young so her legs are a little funny and she walks different. She can walk and do normal chickens things and always wants to be held. She’s actually still wanting to be held during this time and doesn’t seem to mind it, but I’m trying to limit it because I know that can be uncomfortable with pin feathers.

Her comb and wattles did start turning pale when she started her molt so that’s what I think is causing that. She’s not eating as much as usual and she actually didn’t even eat much of the scrambled eggs I gave her in that picture. I checked her crop and there isn’t much. Mostly feels like water. She’s pecking around a little with the flock, but not like usual. We have a couple other hens who go through very hard molts, but we are always ready for that because we’ve seen it happen to them every year.

Any suggestions or tips would be appreciated! We have been giving them vitamins and electrolytes and scrambled eggs while they are molting.

Take and post pictures of her poop. Keep an eye out on her comb for abnormal coloration. Check to see if her belly below the vent between her legs is bloated.
@Wyorp Rock @coach723 @Eggcessive

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She still has a lot of feathers but I just checked her over and she’s got pin feathers all over her body. Her comb and wattles are more pale than they are during the year, she’s been more subdued and doesn’t eat as much as she usually does and she’s had some liquid poops.

Poor Girl is going through a rough molt. Sometimes it can be harder on some than others.

I've found that some, not all, molting bird can go off their feed and just don't seem to eat as much or perhaps have a taste for something different.

Do provide her with her normal feed. You can offer extra bits of egg, fish (sardines/mackerel/tuna) or beef for extra protein. Some of mine are very keen on greens during molt. Small amounts of Kale, Collards, Mustard Greens, etc., may be enticing as well. Make Grit (Crushed Granite) available.

Most do not like being held/handled during molt, but if she's seeming to want to be held and indicates she wants her normal routine, by all means accommodate her if possible. She may find it comforting and it also gives you a chance to gently look her over and note the progress of molt.