Severe Molt - Bullied Hen in Winter

[Cleopatra Opal]

I have a 1 1/2 year old RIR that is in severe molt... so many pin feathers starting that she can't fly up to the 3 foot outdoor roost. We were down to -7 last night and more cold weather is on the way. She is the lowest girl in pecking order (1 of 3 hens) and the other two don't roost with her, so she doesn't get that warmth. She's not bullied to the point of feather picking and loss of food/water access, but definitely the loner and timid hen. I have a cozy coop board in the roosting area that brings the temp up a bit. I feared I lost her this morning because she never came out of the coop. I found her on the roost by the heat board, seeming tired and not interested in me (and she's my lap chicken). I tried to offer her food in there. She would only take a few meal worms out of the warm oatmeal but wouldn't eat any more and won't go down by the waterer. I though about bringing her in, but that would mess up her acclimation for the rest of the Wisconsin winter and I fear her reintroduction since she's already picked on. I know chickens generally can withstand winters just fine, but she's far from feathered. How do I know when it's time to take the chance and bring her in? I've only been a chicken lover and caretaker for 2 years, so I'm hoping there are more ideas that I haven't considered. Any suggestions?

 

[twendt]

I have 2 RIR that just completed molting and 1 Sliver laced Wyandotte in severe molt at the moment TOO!! What are these chickens doing this year?? I thought that winter storm on Halloween would've sent them all to molt early!! When my girls are molting they seem more shy and want to be alone. Do you feed mealworms? Mealworms really help protein intake especially during molt. Try offering mealworm and Black oil sunflower seeds (fat) but not too many BOSS. You can get mealworms at Fleet farm or Menards with the wildbird seed. Not sure where in Wisconsin you live.

 

[twendt]

By the way, you know how cold it was yesterday and last night? My 14yr old daughter put the chickens away last night because I came home from work after dark. This morning when I went to let them out, I found the chickens already outside in their run!! She forgot to close the pop door, she closed and locked the run door but forgot to close the pop door. They all seem OK, poor girls were probably cold last night.

 

[BGcoop]

FYI they also now have meal worms in some Walmart’s (sometimes cheaper than fleet farm or menards). Also my RIRs are molting right now too. I guess keep offering warm food and make sure the coop is draft free and we’ll ventilated?

 

[twendt]

I get the best price on Amazon, around $20 for 5# bag.

 

[vantain]

She is the lowest girl in pecking order (1 of 3 hens) and the other two don't roost with her, so she doesn't get that warmth.

I also have one hen in molt, but not as bad as yours yet. She at least still has most of her feathers. She is also the lowest in the pecking order, but the others at least roost with her. They just make her take the end spot. What I have been doing at night, is about an hour or two after dark, I go out there and move her in between the other two hens. She seems to stay there for the rest of the night, and benefits a bit, I think, from being nestled between them. It's worth a try. They might fight a bit in the morning, but at least then she can get away from them. Odd that with only three hens, they are treating her so badly.

 

[Cleopatra Opal]

I also have one hen in molt, but not as bad as yours yet. She at least still has most of her feathers. She is also the lowest in the pecking order, but the others at least roost with her. They just make her take the end spot. What I have been doing at night, is about an hour or two after dark, I go out there and move her in between the other two hens. She seems to stay there for the rest of the night, and benefits a bit, I think, from being nestled between them. It's worth a try. They might fight a bit in the morning, but at least then she can get away from them. Odd that with only three hens, they are treating her so badly.

That is a great idea! I know they vision is awful in the dark, so maybe I can sneak her in there and they won't even know! Thanks

 

[Cleopatra Opal]

I have 2 RIR that just completed molting and 1 Sliver laced Wyandotte in severe molt at the moment TOO!! What are these chickens doing this year?? I thought that winter storm on Halloween would've sent them all to molt early!! When my girls are molting they seem more shy and want to be alone. Do you feed mealworms? Mealworms really help protein intake especially during molt. Try offering mealworm and Black oil sunflower seeds (fat) but not too many BOSS. You can get mealworms at Fleet farm or Menards with the wildbird seed. Not sure where in Wisconsin you live.

I know Wisconsin weather has always drove me a bit nuts, but nothing compared to now that I have chickens :') I do offer the mealworms and the black oil sunflower seeds. At first the bigger hens would steal them before she got a chance, but now I barricade the others briefly so Hulk (the tiniest girl ended up with the name Hulk Hogan from my son) can get dibs. Thanks for the reply!

 

[twendt]

Sounds like we are a like, I make sure even the lowest hen gets her share!!

 

[twendt]

I know Wisconsin weather has always drove me a bit nuts, but nothing compared to now that I have chickens :') I do offer the mealworms and the black oil sunflower seeds. At first the bigger hens would steal them before she got a chance, but now I barricade the others briefly so Hulk (the tiniest girl ended up with the name Hulk Hogan from my son) can get dibs. Thanks for the reply!

That's so CUTE, HULK...