Normal for alot more sleep and less eating when moulting?

[Snostorm]

Hiya

We have 3 mini appleyards, they are two years old, so this is their second big moult. I don't remember them being this sleepy and eating less last year.

Both our females stopped laying about a week ago and the featherpocalypse has begun.

We've been giving them extra protein food like mealworms and shrimp, plus a Garvo seed treat mix which they've been eating, but not the normal amount they would. Apart from some romaine lettuce they've not been touching their peas and normal pellet food.

They've also been napping almost all the time throughout the day, they have a little explore when we let them out a few times a day but other than that they sleep ALOT.

They'll eat when free ranging in the garden and still go crazy for worms.

Does this sound like normal moulting behaviour?

TIA!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes it does. Mine do the same molt is hard on them so keep up with extra protein it will help.

 

[Snostorm]

Yes it does. Mine do the same molt is hard on them so keep up with extra protein it will help.

Thanks so much Lydia. Both yourself and this forum are so helpful to worried duck parents like me!

 

[nuthatched]

I'd imagine molting feels like a really bad sunburn, everywhere. I wouldn't be to keen on moving or eating either.