Molting!!

[Val3rie]

OK, I'm pretty sure my chickens are molting.... (I'm new to this). Their feathers seem to fall off practically over night... They look atrocious, they are eating and drinking barely at all... they are not laying eggs... and they are skinny. Other than THAT they seem perfectly happy, scratching around pecking at this and that. They look pitiful!!

Also... one in particular, who doesn’t look that pitiful, lays in the nest... but only at night she's up and about all day. Since they don't have any eggs in there, I've been letting her stay there, since she comes out all day long. I am thinking she is NOT brooding... But I find it odd that she does this. Any thoughts?

 

[Imp]

Yes sounds like molting. You may want to increase the protein to help them replenish.

Sleeping in the nest boxes is only a problem if you mind poop in the nests and on the eggs.

Imp

 

[Val3rie]

Is this the normal time of year to molt?

 

[Imp]

Quote:
Yes, It's been a popular topic lately.

Imp

 

[PeeperKeeper]

I still think mine ate cherry bombs that exploded inside of them! Poorest excuses for feather dusters I ever saw!

 

[Imp]

Funny but disturbing visual.

Imp

 

[foweler]

I have 1 out of 3 with the same symtoms, sleeping in the nest, motley but not too motley, no eggs.
I've read about cat food for protein but they don't seem to like the kibbles we buy.

Would you get some wet cat food?

I just gave them some cut up hot dog. I hope that helps some.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Any sort of additional animal protein will help. Also oily seeds such as flax, safflower or sunflower.