Rapid weight loss, pooping grass

[HowellChicken123]

Hello, we have a 2.5 year old Easter egger who is currently molting. Her typical weight is 5lb 3oz. During this molt, I have noticed a drastic weight/mass loss. She has in 2 weeks fallen to 3lb 10 oz and I’m not sure how much more she can lose. Her poop is mostly clumps of undigested grass with bits of poop in it. Our flock was treated with Fenbendazole for worms last month. Any ideas are appreciated

 

[HollowOfWisps]

What % protein feed is she on? What else is she being fed? Have you been giving her grit even if she has access to rocks outside?

 

[HowellChicken123]

What % protein feed is she on? What else is she being fed? Have you been giving her grit even if she has access to rocks outside?

16% layer pellets, what we’ve had her on since she was an adult. They do free range in our small yard most of the day, but aside from that just the occasional handful of mealworms. I also should add that her behavior has not yet changed at all. She is still dusting and forging like normal.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

P

16% layer pellets, what we’ve had her on since she was an adult. They do free range in our small yard most of the day, but aside from that just the occasional handful of mealworms. I also should add that her behavior has not yet changed at all. She is still dusting and forging like normal.

I would switch her to a 20% feed and also provide grit. Her pooping grass means that she is not fully digesting things. Chickens need the higher protein when they are molting especially as they get older it is crucial for a healthy molt.

 

[HowellChicken123]

P

I would switch her to a 20% feed and also provide grit. Her pooping grass means that she is not fully digesting things. Chickens need the higher protein when they are molting especially as they get older it is crucial for a healthy molt.

Thank you!! Will pick some up and try that today. Our Brahma same age is having a rough go with her molt as well so hopefully that’s our issue.

 

[CHlCKEN]

Thank you!! Will pick some up and try that today. Our Brahma same age is having a rough go with her molt as well so hopefully that’s our issue.

Most likely. As mentioned already, molting takes a toll on their bodies and therefore requires high protein.