Why do my two, 2 yo chickens suddenly look so old?

[thewhimsicalflock]

Hens typically do a full adult molt after their 2nd summer (age 18 months or so). Pullets (under 1 year) have been having juvenile molts as they grow that are not as noticeable.

I am so happy reading all of this. It has been such tough year. I am so glad they are just molting!!!

 

[thewhimsicalflock]

Exactly. I'd check for external parasites just to be safe (lice, mites) but it's normal for them to stop laying and look a little ragged and less energetic when molting. When you examine them you'll probably see lots of pin feathers trying to grow in, too. It's a tough couple of months--they get tired and cranky and sit around more--but it passes. A little extra protein wouldn't hurt as they use a lot to make their new feathers.

Thank you!!! What do you recommend for extra protein? Meal worms? I’ve been a chicken mom for a couple of years but this is my first experience with molting to this degree.

 

[CoopBoots]

Scrambled eggs if you have some to spare (my occasional cracked and broken eggs go back to the hens anyway), any less salty/seasoned meat scraps from the kitchen, and I've heard some people do tuna, salmon, or cat food. Peas are supposed to be good for protein as well but some chickens don't like them. Mealworm are high protein but also high fat so I don't do those except as small treats (rather than a supplement).

 

[BigBlueHen53]

What are you feeding now? We feed an all-flock formula that has 20% protein as compared to layer feed which typically has only 16% protein. There's also something called Feather Fixer which should have 20 - 22% if I recall correctly.

 

[nuthatched]

Thank you!!! What do you recommend for extra protein? Meal worms? I’ve been a chicken mom for a couple of years but this is my first experience with molting to this degree.

Just switch to a higher protein feed like chick starter, "high protein" treats often cause unbalanced nutrition

 

[Themellowyellows]

Most likely molting, check for little pin feathers under there crop and behind there neck. Fewer eggs? Then you probably have two molting hens. Add Nutri-Drentch to there water, molting takes a lot out of them.


Also very sorry about your loss