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.

 

[Apags18]

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

I have checked her belly area and it is not bloated or feeling abnormal. Her poops the last few days have been pretty liquidy. I was able to get a picture of it last night. I was going to put her in a room in our barn (where we put our chicken when they are sick) for the night to see how she does. She was not having it. As soon as I tried to walk out of the room she came running after me and squawking. I then took her back outside with the other hens and she did start to forage with them for a bit. I’m really hoping she’s just not feeling well during her molt since this has been the hardest molt we’ve seen her have.

I have attached the picture of her poop. It’s mostly clear with a little bit of white and some bubbles. She’s def not eating as much as usual and her crop felt mostly full of fluid, but it was tiny so it didn’t feel like it was sour or anything.

The last picture of her was when she was back out with her flock.

 

[talkinboutchickens]

I agree with @Wyorp Rock.
My girl Gert went through a very rough molt earlier in the year. Her comb and wattles were shriveled and very pale. Her poops were watery as well.
But once she got out of her molt, she was completely fine and back to normal!
I think I have read somewhere that their poops can be watery when going through a molt because they drink more water than usual due to stress and other factors.
High-protein 'treats' are a must. Wyorp Rock suggested a lot of good ones.
I like to give my chickens leftover breakfast sausage, or any meat off my plate. Really any high-protein scraps that you can get your hands on would be good!

 

[Apags18]

Thank you all so much! That was my thought, that since this molt has been her hardest one yet, she doesn’t feel great. She’s like our baby. She’s one of the oldest but after her accident in 2022, we had to carry her around when she couldn’t walk. She made such a beautiful recovery and lives a wonderful chicken life, but always wants to be held. She very spoiled! She’s also a very tiny chicken compared to other buffs we have. When she was a chick we would call her the runt. lol

I will try a few more treat options. Thank you again! I know I’ll always get great advice here!