They are all moulting, should i give them a more nutritious feed?

[bops]

Hey
I have been getting only one egg a day( or two) for the last week, as opposed to the usual six or seven! I have noticed the majority of my hens(8/13 roughly) are starting to go through their moult. I figure that the layers pellets i feed them on now wont be much help to them.
Should i change their feed to something more nutritous, to help get them through their moult? If so to what?
Thanks

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I usually switch them to a higher protein grower feed during and after the molt and provide oyster shell for those still laying.

 

[tcmstalcup]

ditto that

 

[bops]

Is there a specific name for it?:×

 

[Percheron chick]

A meat bird grower (for ducks, turkey, geese...) will work. It will have more protein and energy to help them through the molt.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Is there a specific name for it?:×

Sometimes called flock raiser here. Any grower feed would have more protein than a layer feed.
The easiest thing is to go to the feed store and read the labels on all the poultry feeds. You're looking for anything with a minimum of 18% protein. 20-24% would be better.

Another option is to give some fish or meat but that could be expensive for so many birds.

 

[bops]

Thanks ill go today

 

[nonageri]

Another name for this feed would be "game bird" feed..its 26% protein.
Yes, Purinas', Flock Raiser..
My hens, Cochjins, Frizzle, Silke and Aracana are all going thru this..some worst than others..feathers everywhere!!..keep them picked up or they may develop a bad habit of eating them...attractive nuisance.
Feeding greens is good..hay to scratch thru..

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I like dry dog and cat food to help them through the molt. Read the tag or label on the sack for the guaranteed analysis. You may also want to look into adding Hog Chow to their layer ration. Hog Chow its 35% or higher in protein. Remember, do not feed just Hog Chow or cut out the regular chicken food. Too much protein for too long is as bad as not enough protein.

 

[nonageri]

Cat food has more protein, even "cheeper" (;-) ) brands..size matters here, too big don't fit...i'm referring to bantams..just hatched more, think have all ages and stages..gets wild at times. All so different. Finding I have a line that is extremely friendly and another that is scared and flighty. Any comments on this? (bantam frizzels-)