Preventing a molt- How do I? And should I?

[NurseELB]

She probably didn't get high protein, we were concentrating on carbs to help keep her warm. There are more of them now so they can keep each other warmer (I don't use a light).
The reasoning my doc gave was that if there weren't damaged feathers, then why need to molt?
I'll call her on Tuesday when she's back in the office and see if she'll call me back with her recipe. If nothing else to share with y'all for interest sake.

Thanks!

I appreciate the input, seems most folks are all for the 'natural' life cycle.

 

[FireTigeris]

humans shed all year long.

snakes shed when they grow- so do bugs

dogs and cats shed all year and twice really heavy (undercoat also)...

 

[AinaWGSD]

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Just because the feathers aren't damaged grossly doesn't mean that there isn't any damage. As feathers age, they develop microscopic (and macroscopic) defects and generally wear out due to age, the elements, grooming, picking, etc. The new feathers that they grow during a molt do a better job protecting them from the elements of the harsher winter than the old, worn out feathers.

Plus, they do need a break from egg laying and they get that during the molt. Avian vets actively discourage egg laying in most species of birds because it takes such a toll on their bodies. Forcing a bird (if it's even possible) to skip a molt will cause them to have many more issues in the long run. Egg production is sort of like pregnancy for birds, and I don't know of any doctor that would recommend a woman remain pregnant virtually non-stop for all of her reproductive years.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Quote:

Instead of trying to stop the molt, maybe help her through it...

Lots of good feather growing (High protein feeds.) Things like meat, fishmeal, BOSS and so forth.. Maybe stick her back on grower during the molt? If she had a tough time last year... Did she get enough protein.?. (No low protein treats.....

)

ON

x2

 

[grandmaof5]

My girls are only 12 weeks old; could they be going through a molt? There seem to be a lot of feathers everywhere...

 

[greenSearcher]

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Yes they could be in moult, young birds have moults to accommodate their growth, imagine the little wing feathers of a 2 wk old chick on a six or eight wk old chick.

This is a good url with lots of info. It is from Australia so the reference to seasons is reversed! Saying June 22 was the shortest day almost threw me, but I remembered they are in the southern hemisphere and the seasons are opposite to our.

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/27_2709.htm

I wasn't aware that a cockerel isn't fertile during moult, that would explain my roo having NO interest in the girls-doesn't crow either and he whines

.

 

[gvntofly05]

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Feathers are almost pure protein, hence why chickens feather eat when their bodies need more protein. When a chicken goes into molt give them extra protein to aid feather growth. Do not feed scratch during molt as it will reduce the amount of protein the chicken gets because they will fill up on the scratch and avoid their other food, slowing new feather production. Carb loading is bad during a molt. Probably why your girl had such a hard time with her molt last time.

I agree with the others though, chickens need to molt. It gives their bodies a much needed break.

 

[gritsar]

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[greathorse]

Some folks get broody and molting confused or use the wrong terminology, are you sure she wasnt talking about not allowing the hen to brood? I know I have absent mindedly use the wrong term for a lot of things in the past.

I have never heard anyone speak of knowing a way to keep chickins from molting

 

[speckledhen]

Molting is a natural, necessary process. Why on earth would anyone want to stop it?