Moulting = Shrunken Comb/Wattles?

[2DogsFarm]

My Delaware hens are moulting.
They are past the godawful stage & looking fluffier but their combs & wattles are shrunken.

I've been adding protein to their morning treat of oatmeal w/yogurt in the form of canned cat food.
Is there anything else I can try to help them get back in shape?

 

[mandelyn]

Not really... I add more protein and then wait it out.

When they're getting ready to lay again, they go red in the face and their comb/wattles go back to how they're supposed to be. It's like waiting on the first egg all over again!

 

[Judy]

Cat food in any quantity is not a good formula for chickens; don't give too much. We can buy canned mackerel (tuna aisle) here pretty cheap and it's a big can. Most any meat, cooked or raw -- mine get leftovers sometimes. The bones or carcass of whatever you cook is always good; they love to pick it clean. Tuna is good, of course, but costs more. Scraps from cleaning fish or hunting are great if you can get them.

 

[2DogsFarm]

Thanks to both for your answers

mandelyn:
OMG - so I have a whole 'nother Eggwait to go through?

ddawn:
ok - will switch to mackerel.
will my girls have stinky fishbreath?

 

[dsqard]

Quote:
Only when you kiss them!

 

[2DogsFarm]

if they had lips, I probably would