Normal Behavior for Molting?

[ANiceKaren]

Hi friends! I’ve only had one moltng chicken before so I don’t recall symptoms . My Dandelion girl (1.5 year old) is molting. She lost quite a bit of feathers a few weeks ago. She is very lethargic and not eating much. She will come
For treats but won’t eat that many (worms). She is keeping her distance as well from the flock. Is this all normal molting behavior. She sometimes has calcium deficiencies but I don’t want to give her calcium because I don’t want to force her to lay during this molt and I certainly don’t want to pick her up. I’ve got some extra protein (eggs and yogurt) for her tonight. Is this normal? Willl she be ok? I’m a little worried about her. any help appreciated! I have vitamins but they are difficult to give her.. tips on that or should I just leave her alone to heal?

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

I have had hens act similar to that whole molting before. Also, calcium won't force them to lay eggs it's just supplement they need to lay good shells around the egg.

 

[artbykarenehaley]

Ohh poor Dandelion!
She is adorable.
Molting is uncomfortable, the new feathers hurt if you pick the hen up where new growth is coming in. They just struggle to stand comfortably. Yes to the protein, the calcium will be ok. Dandelion will be using all the protein she can to make new feathers, so her body probably won't produce eggs at all for some time.
Molting can weaken the immune system on some birds. Giving your hens some vitamin water as a second drink source should be ok. I use the water soluble vitamin packs you can find at the local feed store, Wilco or tractor supply.

 

[artbykarenehaley]

Also you can read up on the topic of the week which is all about managing moulting.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/topic-of-the-week-managing-your-chickens-molt.1491374/

 

[ANiceKaren]

Also you can read up on the topic of the week which is all about managing moulting.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/topic-of-the-week-managing-your-chickens-molt.1491374/

Ohh poor Dandelion!
She is adorable.
Molting is uncomfortable, the new feathers hurt if you pick the hen up where new growth is coming in. They just struggle to stand comfortably. Yes to the protein, the calcium will be ok. Dandelion will be using all the protein she can to make new feathers, so her body probably won't produce eggs at all for some time.
Molting can weaken the immune system on some birds. Giving your hens some vitamin water as a second drink source should be ok. I use the water soluble vitamin packs you can find at the local feed store, Wilco or tractor supply.

Ohh poor Dandelion!
She is adorable.
Molting is uncomfortable, the new feathers hurt if you pick the hen up where new growth is coming in. They just struggle to stand comfortably. Yes to the protein, the calcium will be ok. Dandelion will be using all the protein she can to make new feathers, so her body probably won't produce eggs at all for some time.
Molting can weaken the immune system on some birds. Giving your hens some vitamin water as a second drink source should be ok. I use the water soluble vitamin packs you can find at the local feed store, Wilco or tractor supply.

Thank you!

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Thank you!

Her behavior seems normal from what i have experienced as well. My molters will always take scrambled egg and treats and thats an indication shes probably going to be ok. Also, a quick free range session clues me in to whether I should be concerned. Even tho standoffish and lazy looking, she'll stick with flock and still be alert. My molters are more quite and tired, but that status usually changes frequently. Good luck!

 

[Eggcessive]

She sounds like a typical molting hen. I would hide some vitamins in her egg and yogurt. Canned tuna or canned cat food can be a good treat in small amounts.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Poultry Cell is an awesome liquid vitamin that can be added directly to their water so you don't have to fight anyone to dose them. When molting season hits I add poultry Cell to their waterers 1-2x a week. It really seems to perk them up and help with their molt.

 

[ANiceKaren]

Thanks everyone! Dandelion is done molting and feeling pretty again!

 

[Aunt Angus]

Thanks everyone! Dandelion is done molting and feeling pretty again!

Oh, that pose!!!