My ladies are driving me crazy...please help.

[definetlydeb]

I have a flock of 12 ladies, 2 years old next month. Different breeds. My black buffs are gorgeous! But my RIR's are moulting? I dunno, but they look horrible. Is a spring molt common? If it were mites wouldn't it be the entire flock. Egg production is maybe 4 eggs a day. I have never gotten a full basket from this flock. It's depressing to keep putting out for feed, maintaing the coop and buy eggs. I appreciate any and all help or advice you can offer me.

 

[dunnmom]

I have a flock of 12 ladies, 2 years old next month. Different breeds. My black buffs are gorgeous! But my RIR's are moulting? I dunno, but they look horrible. Is a spring molt common? If it were mites wouldn't it be the entire flock. Egg production is maybe 4 eggs a day. I have never gotten a full basket from this flock. It's depressing to keep putting out for feed, maintaing the coop and buy eggs. I appreciate any and all help or advice you can offer me.

I understand, I had to buy eggs for 6 months last year. Spring molt could happen. Not all of my girls molt at the same time of year. I've seen it happen in every season. Mine are 2 yrs. old. I get 3-4 a day from 6 chickens on a typical day, but that's only if everyone is healthy and not broody or molting. It's a very rare event to get more than that. I just chalk it up to their age, as many will slow down after their first year, from what I'm told. Do they like black oil sunflower seeds? Do they forage, or do you control the food situation?

 

[definetlydeb]

Thank you for responding. Their feed is in the coop....self feeder. They have a large fenced in run. So, I guess I kinda control the food. My highest egg count from my ladies was 9. Once! I hope they don't slow down anymore, lol!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Please do check for mites and lice.
It can't hurt to check.

No it does not always hit the whole flock. Recently I had one bird losing weight and sleeping in the best box while also not laying.
even though the other 23 birds in that coop would go on the best boxes only the one had mites.
Everyone was still treated.

check their crops at night and again in the morning to make sure they are eating. Full crop at night and empty in the early morning.

What do you feed them? What treats do you give and how much? Birds bred for high egg production really need a higher protein feed to perform well.

 

[RUNuts]

That is a puzzle. I have 17 hens at 11 months. Getting 12-16 eggs per day. Usually in the 15 range unless it rains. 18% grower formula with free choice oyster shell.

The reds and barred rocks are close at 8/10 eggs and the Leghorns at 6/7. We have eggs.

 

[lazy gardener]

Did you buy them as chicks? I would definitely check them all for mites/lice. what is the mill date on your most recent bag of feed? What is the protein %, and what else are you feeding them? What state are you in?

 

[RWise]

I describe the molting look as an exploded dust mop!
Mine went a few at a time over the winter, which at first bothered me more than them. I got over it,,,

 

[aart]

But my RIR's are moulting? I dunno, but they look horrible.

Pics of these birds would help.
Did any of your birds molt last fall?

Do you use supplemental lighting to get eggs over the winter?

You're in PA?

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed with Aart. Pics! If they were laying prolifically, I would attribute their shabby look to that. But shabby with poor lay indicates a problem, especially in the spring when they should be at peak lay.

 

[chickens really]

What do you feed and it sounds like molt...Are they also losing fight feathers too?. Might need more protein in their diet?