Moulting

[withca]

My barred rock and black australorp have been moulting now for almost three months. The rock has lost all feathers on her behind to the point where it looks like a baboon's butt. No blood, just angry looking skin. How long will this go on? My birds are one year old today - laying down only slightly. Any suggestions. Birds appear healthy otherwise.

 

[silkiechicken]

Try upping their protein intake and that should speed things up a bit. Some birds can be really slow molters.

 

[withca]

thanks - I'm new at this - can you give me some examples of appropriate protein sources?

 

[d.k]

* Try adding some ground flaxseed to their feed. Maybe a 1/2tbsp. to each bird's daily ration. Has fiber, protien, EFA's, lowers cholesterol in eggs and in people! Great for feather-making and has done wonders for my nails and my mom's cholesterol. GOOD STUFF!

 

[ella]

I switch to chick starter when they molt.

It ups the protien without getting all the other nutrition out of whack.

It also isn't a bad idea to check them for lice and mites at this time. Their defences are down and they're sensitive when they're molting.