Molting

[KER414]

I had an EE who was going through what I thought was her first molt. She lost a lot of feathers, but otherwise seemed fine. This began in October. Yesterday, she seemed lethargic and stayed in one corner of her run. At night, she went up to her coop but was not roosting when I checked her. This morning I found her dead. Obviously, I'm suspecting something other than molting but have heard that molting can be very hard on hens. Has anyone heard of a hen dying during molting?

 

[junebuggena]

Molting doesn't usually kill, but it can weaken them, leaving them susceptible to illness. Also, if you kept her on layer, while her body wasn't producing eggs, the high calcium levels can cause kidney failure.

 

[RodNTN]

Hi and

 

[KER414]

Hmm, I did leave all 4 hens on layer feed....something I didn't know, but sounds plausible. Thanks for the information. I will remember that when the others molt.

 

[CuzChickens]

Hello there, and welcome to Backyard Chickens! I am so glad you joined us, I do hope you will make yourself at home here. Enjoy BYC!

 

[katie92803]

How often to chickens molt?

 

[junebuggena]

How often to chickens molt?

Juvenile birds molt several times until they are about 6 months old. Adults, 1 year or older, molt once a year, usually in the fall.

 

[8 Chicks 1967]

My 2 year olds are molting now. They seem really hungry as I have added Mill worms and pumpkin seeds as a source of protein. They are extra grumpy as it take a lot out of them. I have kept mine on 16% layer feed. I will switch to scratch for a while as the mornings are much colder anyway.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

 

[rjohns39]

My 2 year olds are molting now. They seem really hungry as I have added Mill worms and pumpkin seeds as a source of protein. They are extra grumpy as it take a lot out of them. I have kept mine on 16% layer feed. I will switch to scratch for a while as the mornings are much colder anyway.

much better to lean to grower when they are in molt to supplement their protein. Scratch is low protein and high carb.