4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[cluckingmad]

Now then, call me a daft ol' bird if you will, but it simply didn't occur to me that ex-batts with only a few feathers would moult!

 

Poor little Millie is pretty threadbare but still seams to be intent on losing the remaining few she has - I've heard of giving them rinsed tuna to up their protein levels, is there anything else I can do? Poor mite sits there and shivers when they're outside (but woe betide us if we don't let them out at every available opportunity ).

 

She's also got badly bruised legs so limps round at the moment - am trying to keep handling her to get her used to it but am aware I don't want to hurt her (she's such a character and is rapidly becoming the girl I fret about most)... any ideas?

[tara]

If shes moulting it could be the time of year as mine are to.If shes sore you could try what l use which is matanium its not for chickens but its so good and it works every couple of days apply it and over a week or 2 you will see a difference.I must stress tho its not licenced for animal use but it was recommended to me and l would not recommend it otherwise.As for the brusing l would not know l suppose tlc but may be some may have more experience with this bit.Good luck with her and l hope she lives a long and rested life. You are her

[dancing cloud]

My ex-batts are still putting on feathers and get dried mealworms and cat food mixed in with their porridge, plus occasional tuna and grated cheese. It's taking them a while, but three of them were practically naked when they arrived and the feathers are definitely getting there. They now look like proper pretty hens rather than something out of the chilled counter!

 

You could try gently rubbing arnica cream on Millie's bruises - they sell it at Boots or most chemists. A gentle massage may help the bonding process as well as the bruises

 

I'm sorry to say the fretting doesn't stop. I've had mine over 5 months now and still worry whether Dandelion's neck feathers will regrow, and whether Daisy and Joy will ever get any knickers, and whether they're warm enough/eating enough/happy hens ...

 

Love them to bits though!