- Feb 19, 2013
- 48
- 1
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My best layer is going through a very hard molt. This is the first time my chickens have had such a bad molt, last year it was partial and went quickly. Sunny seems to be in bad shape, she hardly has any feathers at all, her pin feathers are barely out. She's walking like she's drunk, kind of sideways and slow. She doesn't appear to be eating much. When I let the chickens out in the yard, she stands by the front door, huddled up looking miserable. It's been about 5 days of few feathers, and 3ish days of the miserable. Today I made her a hospital cage in my laundry room, and brought her in. She stood in one place all day, didn't touch her food or water. She did seem to want to get out as it got dark, I'm sure to get back to the coop but I think she'll be way too cold without any feathers. Did I do the right thing? Is there something else I should be doing? I've added flax to her food, and I did feed her a little canned cat food for a day or two (yesterday I saw her eating, today not at all). I feel so bad for her! I'd love any advice. Thanks!