moulting

[lmoosse]

Hi ...relatively new chicken owner. I have a flock of 9, one year old chickens and added 6 more this spring. Several of the older chickens seem to be doing what I have been calling a perpetual moult. It just keeps going and going. Any thoughts? Will it stop eventually? Is there anything I can do to make it end? Thanks

 

[chickee]

Quote:
Unfortunately, once they start molting it seems like forever for them to finish

Some of mine are going through a molt right now and look so scruffy. Feathers are made from protein, so to help the new feathers grow back in I throw my chickens a handful of black oil sunflower seeds (purchased at the feed store) that are high in protein, and old fashioned oats for the B vitamins, in the morning. Chopped Romaine lettuce once a day really gives them a boost because it is high in Thiamine which is necessary for good heart and nervous system health. Good Luck

Oh, and

 

[CarlaS]

from MN! Good luck w/ your chickens!

 

[wava1vaughn]

Hi from Ga.

WELCOME ABOARD.

 

[redsoxs]

from Kansas, Imoosee! Glad you joined the forum. I'm pretty new to birds myself so I'm

on your moulting question! Best of luck!

 

[FeatheredObsessions]

WELCOME!

 

[kyeschicks]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from Ohio. So glad you joined. Good advice given on raising the protien. You can also give them some chick starter to up their protein level.

 

[CarlaS]

to BYC!

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us. I know what you mean. Some of ours are moulting right now (some of the ducks, too) & they look so scraggly that I feel sorry for them.