Topic of the Week - Managing Your Chickens' Molt

[igorsMistress]

I inspect my flock monthly for pests so it’s easy to know whether they’re molting or not.

I feed 20% all flock year round, but do provide extra protein when they molt. Mealworms are available live as fish bait, live crickets are available at the pet store. Canned salmon is a favorite too.

I also use a towel to hold anyone while they molt, but try not to handle them at all during this time. They’re grumpy and handling them just makes it worse.

 

[Justagalwithchicks]

I give sardines, salmon, tuna, quality cat food, and BSF larvae. Watch for sales on canned fish and stock up. My girls also steal my dogs food when they can.
Increase the protein percentage of their food too. These things all help.

The sardine I can find at store have either mustard or oil and the oil are smoked. Is that alright?

 

[centrarchid]

The sardine I can find at store have either mustard or oil and the oil are smoked. Is that alright?

It is fine.

 

[Cookies-Chickens2004]

The sardine I can find at store have either mustard or oil and the oil are smoked. Is that alright?

I always get packed in oil. I've never noticed if it was smoked. Either way, the chickens love it. They gobble down 2 cans of sardines in minutes.

 

[Onionflyer]

I always get packed in oil. I've never noticed if it was smoked. Either way, the chickens love it. They gobble down 2 cans of sardines in minutes.

Sardines are great as a treat during molt. Look for no salt sardines.
Season Skinless & Boneless Sardines in Water, 4.25 oz Can
https://www.walmart.com/ip/39189066
I always try to avoid added salt as it has no place in their diet

 

[DAO6603]

My girls range from 8 weeks old to 7 months old. Will they molt this fall or will they wait until next year?

 

[RubelliteRose]

My girls range from 8 weeks old to 7 months old. Will they molt this fall or will they wait until next year?

You might have a couple of girls who molt this year, but most should wait until next year. I had 2 of my first 8 who molted lightly their first fall.

 

[talkinboutchickens]

I increase protein intake during molt. Also put hen saddles on those who need them to prevent peckers.

@MysteryChicken, what type or brand of hen saddles do you recommend? I have heard that some are really crappy while others are good. I have about three hens who have had bare backs all summer long but I was wary of putting saddles on them because I was afraid that it would make them too hot.

 

[Loving my girls]

Most of my household larder works its way over to the hen house, what I don’t give them for additional protein I give them coz I want them to be happy. What they don’t eat to be happy (ice cream, chocolate) I eat to keep them company.
Honestly how to ruin confidence in one easy step - lose all your clothes and, worse then that if anything could be, have all the youngsters laughing at your likeness of Oven Ready.
Poor Babies.

 

[MysteryChicken]

@MysteryChicken, what type or brand of hen saddles do you recommend? I have heard that some are really crappy while others are good. I have about three hens who have had bare backs all summer long but I was wary of putting saddles on them because I was afraid that it would make them too hot.

Down Under. Best heavy duty hen saddle available.