Two chickens with feather loss = ??

[khind]

Feeding roosters layer ration ultimately causes kidney failure.

Oh my Gosh!!!! I had no idea!

 

[khind]

I was just going to post about his comb, too.

Yes, we had an uncharacteristically cold (and windy) long winter. He got frostbite on the tops. It never blistered or developed other sores.

 

[khind]

He could be going through a molt, or even a lightning of his coat due to the heat. He looks healthy to me.

Your rooster would be better off not eating a layer ration. All that calcium can be hard on any birds that aren't actively laying. I recommend a non medicated starter grower or an All Flock ration with a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs of any laying hens.

Ok, I will change their feed. Either a (non medicated) starter grower with the separate bowl of shells, or an all-flock feed with same bowl of shells.
By the way, is the lack of calcium the only difference between the starter grower and the layer feed?

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

Could just be molt, I think it's the time of the season...... at least mine are molting and looking like they are diseased! But I worry not since I know they are just molting, I wouldn't fret too much if I was you.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Ok, I will change their feed. Either a (non medicated) starter grower with the separate bowl of shells, or an all-flock feed with same bowl of shells.
By the way, is the lack of calcium the only difference between the starter grower and the layer feed?

A layer generally has 16% protein, and about 4.0 calcium. A starter will generally have 18% protein and about 1.4 calcium. So the starter will give them a bit extra protein that can help if you are feeding extras besides the feed.

 

[khind]

Looking online for different feeds. This is what I've found:
Naturally Free Organic Starter Chick Feed - 25-lbs - Non-GMO Project Verified, Soy Free and Corn Free - Scratch and Peck Feeds;
Purina Start & Grow Starter/Grower Non-Medicated Feed Crumbles.
Am I in the right ballpark?

 

[khind]

A layer generally has 16% protein, and about 4.0 calcium. A starter will generally have 18% protein and about 1.4 calcium. So the starter will give them a bit extra protein that can help if you are feeding extras besides the feed.

All I feed them is their chicken feed. They free range & eat bugs, a small frog or toad, etc., & I sometimes bring them scraps from the raw veges I've cut up for myself. The blackberries are in bloom, so they do currently eat those off the plants daily too. In the winter if they're confined, I'll hang a cabbage head or some greens. Otherwise, that's it.

 

[lisaparksdurant]

On the other hand, have you checked for worms? Especially since two of them are not laying. Maybe they have a warm load that hasn't accumulated in the others yet?

I'll start researching worm relief right now. what can it hurt even if they don't have them

 

[Aunt Angus]

Looking online for different feeds. This is what I've found:
Naturally Free Organic Starter Chick Feed - 25-lbs - Non-GMO Project Verified, Soy Free and Corn Free - Scratch and Peck Feeds;
Purina Start & Grow Starter/Grower Non-Medicated Feed Crumbles.
Am I in the right ballpark?

Yep (IMO)! Just make sure you offer oyster shell on the side.

 

[khind]

I'll start researching worm relief right now. what can it hurt even if they don't have them

Personally, I'd look up using Valbazen. It's what I prefer. You can look it up on this group. If they've never been dewormed before, and if they have a heavy worm load, Wazine can create a dangerous purging situation; Valbazen doesn't do that.
If you can, take a look at your birds' stools to see if there's anything there. Also, if you can pick them up, check to see if they've lost any weight - sometimes it's only by picking them up and feeling how easily you can feel the breastbone, for example, that you realize they've lost weight. Weight loss is also something that can indicate presence of worms.