Moulting hens and feed?

[DDRanch]

It looks like my 1 year old hens are starting to moult. I have them on 20% organic crumble layer feed. Should I be providing anything special for the moulting season?

They also get scratch, and a big supply of garden vegs and fruit. And of course oyster shell. And they free range about 6 hours a day.

Anne

 

[Mrs MIA]

I have heard that adding a little extra protein (scrambled/boiled eggs, etc) will help them grow in their new feathers easier. It takes a lot out of a chicken to grow feathers!

 

[chixbvs]

I also read on here that black sunflower seeds will help them to grow feathers back quicker-

 

[CUDA]

First off, 20% is plenty of protein, you don't need to add any more. Second, black oil sunflower seeds will help, as they contain nutrients that feathers need. You might want to check out this article on feeding, and moulting HERE .

 

[DDRanch]

Great info, thank you. Where would I get black oil sunflower seeds? Are the pet/bird sunflower seeds different?

Anne

 

[Mrs MIA]

Thanks for the link, CUDA...

 

[CUDA]

You can get black oil sunflower seeds anywhere they sell wild bird seed. I know TSC carries them in 50 lb bags.

 

[DDRanch]

TSC? What store is that?

Anne

 

[Mrs MIA]

Tractor Supply Co.

Just about anyone that sells feed or wildbirdseed has it.