Oh how their temperaments change during molt

[The_Flock]

Hi peeps, I'm more writing this to get validation. My flock is going through an upheaval. Since it's gotten cold quickly the chickens are staying inside more. They still go outside quite a bit but the area they have isn't as big as their normal quarter acre turnout area. 5 of the chickens are younger (between 7-8 months old) and were introduced to the flock of 5 original girls in the late summer, early fall of this year.
4 of the 5 original girls are molting hard. They are almost all naked. One of these girls creeps around low when the cockerel, bully pullet (both are from the younger crew) or even myself are around. She was second in command before the molt and was comfortable with me. The other original girl is running from the same 2 newer birds and she does it constantly. She was 4th in command before the molt.
And lastly, I have another of the originals who has a piece of her comb gone. She runs from the cockerel but not the bully pullet. She'll stand her ground with the bully...until the cockerel comes around then she runs. She was first in command before all this mutiny and her molt has not been as hard as the others.
I've separated the bully pullet because she's mean and at least they only have 1 bird they have to look out for. It seems the cockerel and bully pullet gang up on the original 5 girls. He's keeping his 3 girls separate from the other 6 (there's another young cochin in there who gets along with both sides, she's very sweet).
I understand that molt can change a bird's behaviour. Will these original girls go back to their standings in stature after the molt? I'm wondering how the winter will go, if not. They have plenty of space for everyone. Their inside area is 24'×20' and they have a covered outdoor area, which they use alot. The indoor area is sectioned off so they can get away from eachother.
Is there anything else I need to do? Or shall I just wait the molt out and things will return to normal after?
Since this is really long now I'll leave it there. Lol. Thank you so much for your help. Happy chickening!!

 

[azygous]

The problem with molt, although a temporary state, is that it does cause loss of appetite, and that can cause weakness, which can cause a chicken to be withdrawn, and that can cause stronger chickens to bully them away from the feeders, causing a loop of woeful consequences.

You need to identify the chickens that are suffering in this manner and feed them high quality protein to restore their energy levels or they can continue to decline emotionally and physically.

Hardly anyone points out these risks inherent in molt.

 

[The_Flock]

The problem with molt, although a temporary state, is that it does cause loss of appetite, and that can cause weakness, which can cause a chicken to be withdrawn, and that can cause stronger chickens to bully them away from the feeders, causing a loop of woeful consequences.

You need to identify the chickens that are suffering in this manner and feed them high quality protein to restore their energy levels or they can continue to decline emotionally and physically.

Hardly anyone points out these risks inherent in molt.

Yes the one that is chased (Blanche) is rather thin compared to her normal self. Actually so is the one that creeps along so low (Cosmo). And thank you for mentioning this because I felt that need too. Since I noticed one of them losing feathers I've been feeding them all squished up hard boiled eggs everyday and with those eggs I add different treats but only one source of treat in a day. Treats like dried mealworms, kale, dandelion leaves, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds (they aren't crazy about them), there are more but I can't think of them all. Lol. And I section off the pushy ones from the less pushy ones for the eggs. I then tie the dandelion leaves and kale up in different places around the coop when it's dandelion or kale day. Lol. I've had horses my entire life and I've learned you always put food in different areas or have 1-2 piles more than there are horses and there needs to be a way in and another way out of any enclosed area. Lol. I'm learning it's the same with chickens.

 

[azygous]

Good start. Try feeding occasional treats of canned mackerel, tofu, and even raw hamburger, along with the egg. High grade protein gets immediate and sometimes dramatic results.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Good suggestions so far. I might consider temporarily moving the cockerel as well if you have molting birds hiding out. Let them finish molt, then add back the cockerel.

 

[The_Flock]

Good start. Try feeding occasional treats of canned mackerel, tofu, and even raw hamburger, along with the egg. High grade protein gets immediate and sometimes dramatic results.

Oh...I do occasionally feed the raw beef, I'll do that more. And I'll get some of all of the other things you mentioned above.
Thank you @azygous

 

[The_Flock]

Good suggestions so far. I might consider temporarily moving the cockerel as well if you have molting birds hiding out. Let them finish molt, then add back the cockerel.

I was thinking that too. Thank you. Can I put the cockerel and bully pullet together where she is separated? Or will that just make them even worse of a gang?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I was thinking that too. Thank you. Can I put the cockerel and bully pullet together where she is separated? Or will that just make them even worse of a gang?

Hard to know if that will make them worse - chickens are weirdos and it's hard to figure them out LOL
You might find that the pullet (without the cockerel for backup) does well with the others.
You might find that everyone is calm and peaceable without the 2.

Some things you have to try and if it's not working, change it up again. Now. Changing things up, doesn't always work - I have been known, to finally just cull a bird or two, but that's with months of trying to make it "work".

 

[The_Flock]

@Wyorp Rock so freakin true!!! The bully pullet is older than the cockerel and was showing signs of assertiveness very early on. She squeezed herself into the older girl's circle.
Thankfully the cockerel seems to be a bit less pushy right now, without the bully. Her name is Thelma and his name is Amelio. He's my pic. I'll do what you suggest and see how this goes and if all works out then yay!! If not, then I'll switch them up and see how that goes. If all else fails then they might have their own area and be eachothers buddy forever.

 

[aart]

Just speaking to the thread title, they do sure do!
I've noticed big changes this time around, mostly with the roosting patterns.
They are spread all over, more than just a few isolating their pin feathered selves.
Need to sit out there some evening and watch the RoostTimeRumble.