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

[waders]

Hi Everyone,

This may sound like a silly question but ....

I read on another thread that chooks usually moult around October/November. I have had my girls for a year and no sign of a moult. Now, in the middle of this freezing weather, Minnie has decided to moult or at least I hope that she is. She is the only one and her back and neck have looked a bit ropey for a couple of days, a bit brown not black. When I opened the nest box yesterday it was full of black feathers. She doesn't look henpecked (although she is the bottom of the order) and she's behaving normally. Do you think it's a moult? Her back and the feathers aren't bloody. Some of the loose feathers look like they have been pecked in half but could this be where Minnie has plucked them herself? I assume it must be quite an uncomfortable process, a bit like a bad itch that needs scratching. If it is a moult will she get cold? What can I do to help her?

Any useful advice would be gratefully appreciated.

 

Lisa

[Egluntyne]

It sounds like a moult.

 

Give her some extra protein in her diet to help her refreather quickly. Gorwers pellets, scrambled egg, organic cat food, dolphin friendly tuna...all good sources.

[waders]

Thanks Egluntine,

 

As this is my first moult I wasn't quite sure what it would look like. I shall definitely give her some protein today in her treat. I was concerned as this has all started with it getting darker earlier and because of this they are only out for less than an hour a day now. I worried it might have something to do with them getting bored. I've also had no eggs for a couple of days, but they're all walking well and can manage the 'treats charge' when I let them out

 

Why do they moult when it gets cold? I would never consider chooks as stupid (far from it!), I would want to moult in the summer!

 

Thanks again for your advice.

 

Lisa