Swedish Blue Hen Molting

[Katie Rossi]

My Swedish Blue hen has been molting for 3 weeks. She is not herself. I feed them mealworms and sometimes that doesn't even interest her. Her feathers are starting to fill in on her neck, but the rest of her isn't done yet. And of course, no eggs. Is she okay.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Where are you located? How old is it?

Some birds act unwell during a molt, but they generally continue to eat.

What type of ration are you feeding? Feathers require a lot of protein to make.

 

[Katie Rossi]

I live in California. My duck is 1 year old first of March. The ducks and chickens eat flock raiser, lots of mealworms...2-3 times a day. They are really spoiled.... I feed them some kind of greens everyday too.... lettuce, spinach, peas. Sometimes I cook them brown rice. They get to forge too. Jill will eat, she just isn't always excited about it like her buddy Jackie O.

 

[getaclue]

Flock raiser is good. You may want to cut down on all the treats. Instead, a little canned cat food is best to treat with during molt.

 

[chickens really]

Dry fish based Cat food as treat is excellent during molt..

 

[getaclue]

The goal is to buy a feed that is 18% protein. Many finisher feeds, flock raiser feeds, feather fixer, etc. are 18% protein. Check the label. Most protein sources in feed, are vegetable based. Chickens do better if you feed them a little animal sourced protein occasionally, especially during molt. A little canned cat food at times, during their molt, OR canned mackerel serves the purpose well.

 

[Katie Rossi]

I will try it!! Thank you for the information.