Molting

[Dvg1025]

Alright. I believe my chickens are starting to molt. I see a good amount of feathers in the coop and there are some starting bald spots on some chickens. This is my first molt... Any advice on how to keep them happy healthy and keep the coop clean??

 

[Yay Chicks!]

This is the time of year for molting, alright. There will be feathers everywhere and it will look as though your chickens have exploded

It takes a good deal of protein to grow new feathers, so you could add more protein if you like. I don't totally know how necessary that is, as they are not putting energy into laying protein rich eggs during this time, but it makes me feel better to give them some mealworms or a little tuna once in a while...

 

[Dvg1025]

Thanks for that! I have mealworms and I will try to find other sources of protein too. Do I just have to keep the coop raked out and clean basically??

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

I have read that lots of folks put them on "flock raiser" or "gamebird" feed, they have 20%+ protein. They usually feed them this for a month. If by chance they still lay during the molt, you can offer oyster shell free choice.

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Thanks for that! I have mealworms and I will try to find other sources of protein too. Do I just have to keep the coop raked out and clean basically??

I could be doing it wrong, but I don't worry about the feathers piling up. I just turn over the pine shavings and some of the poop and feathers with it. I usually sprinkle things with DE to keep it dry and then clean the coop out thoroughly twice a year.

 

[Dvg1025]

 I usually sprinkle things with DE to keep it dry and then clean the coop out thoroughly twice a year.  

what is DE?

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Oh, it's diatamaceous (sp) earth. May help with mite prevention, but it's definitely good at drying things out. If the poop is dry, it doesn't stink. If you were to use it, make certain that it is "food grade." Apparently there is a different kind that is used for pools that is toxic...

 

[dawg53]

I have read that lots of folks put them on "flock raiser" or "gamebird" feed, they have 20%+ protein. They usually feed them this for a month. If by chance they still lay during the molt, you can offer oyster shell free choice.

x2

 

[Hwlchickmama]

This is the time of year for molting, alright.  There will be feathers everywhere and it will look as though your chickens have exploded   it makes me feel better to give them some mealworms or a little tuna once in a while...

TUNA?!?!?!? Really?!?!?!?!? Last year when it got cold (b4 they were of molting age) I gave them cottage cheese and browned ground beef... I don't even know what's a good source of protein for them but any thing to help speed this up they look like little old men w/ bad hair!!!
Any suggestions on protein sources !??!?

 

[theheat]

I'm "late" to the discussion, but didn't want to start a new thread. I'm hoping for some feedback. I have an 8 month old hen who started losing feathers on her neck. At first I assumed she was the low woman on the totem pole and being pecked, but then I noticed she is also missing a bunch of feather on her underside. I can't imagine she is being pecked underneath as well, so I'm thinking it's a molt, but isn't she too young? Otherwise, nothing seems "wrong", as she is eating and drinking and pecks and scratches around all day w/ the other ladies and aside from the occasional pecks between them, I have never noticed any aggression. Any thoughts?!