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

[skye]

Hi guys

 

Would really appreciate your advice.

 

Our Lily, about 14-15 months old, previously in rude health, has recently been slightly less ebullient than normal, although I wouldn't describe her as unwell at all. Until now a brilliant layer, about 10 days ago she suddenly stopped. Then yesterday I noticed she has been losing quite a few feathers in the run, and has lost more today. I've checked her over and can't see anything on her skin, and I'll worm them all this weekend and give them some poultry spice in some porridge...

 

but do you think she is going through a moult? i didn't think it happened at this time of year? Or should I be considering something more sinister?

[Egluntyne]

Three of mine are moulting at the moment.....and interestingly, they were all purchased at the same time and at the same age.

[skye]

Thank you Egluntine, that has put my mind at rest somewhat. For some reason I thought hens only moulted in the autumn/winter!

 

Do you think yours are about the same age as Lily? i.e. 15 months? Have they stopped laying too - or do you have too many to keep track of who's laying and who isn't?!

 

Bless them. A moult would be much more comfortable at this time of year anyway, I would imagine.

 

Lily can get the preferential treatment this weekend that Layla got when she was moulting... we'll bring her into the kitchen when the others aren't looking to have some tuna xxx

 

Has anybody else got moulting chooks at the moment?

[peepie]

Mine are all looking a bit shabby. One in particular seems to have been generally scruffy for about 8 weeks now with huge bald patches on her neck and underneath is nearly as smooth as a baby's bum! Like you I can't see anything on her and they have been wormed and the inside of the eglu doesn't seem to have mites or anything. They have been happy and laying well until the last few days when we've suddenly had a few softies and some totally missing layers. I hope there's nothing wrong with them.

 

On the feeding of Tuna, how much do you give them? I've been putting poultry spice in with their feed and have been a bit reluctant to feed them fish as it's meat really. If it's a miracle type thing then I will though because they just look so scruffy at the moment!!!

 

Thanks for advice.

xxxx

[Griffin]

Yep, Maisy is looking a little thread bare this week and has stopped laying.

[skye]

Thanks guys, glad to know we aren' t alone, and hope your girls all grow their beautiful new feathers in no time!

 

Re: Tuna, on advice from this forum, I believe that it is a high-protein, low-fat source of protein for moulting girls who might need a little extra energy to grow all those nice new feathers.

 

We used to just get one of the small tins of tuna in spring water, rinse it a little then perhaps put a third or half down for the moulting girl in private so she could eat it without any competition from the others. When she was finished that, we used to put the rest of the tin in the container and then take her and it outside to share the rest with the others.

 

The remaining tuna used to take about 3 seconds to be polished off by all four!

 

Layla took a couple of months to moult and regrow fully and we used to give her tuna about every week or two.

 

xx

[speckled hen]

Henny has been moulting for about 10 weeks now, she lost her fluffy knickers over night She is still laying now and then, I might give the tuna a go to try and help the poor thing along as she looks quite sad at he moment.

[peepie]

might just stick a tin full in the run tomorrow then. Think they're all looking a bit threadbare really!

 

Thanks eveyone.

[Egluntyne]

 

Do you think yours are about the same age as Lily? i.e. 15 months? Have they stopped laying too - or do you have too many to keep track of who's laying and who isn't?!

 

They are around about that age. As far as I can tell they are laying.

[jomaxsmith]

The guy at my local poultry centre said they often moult when they have been laying for a year. Sounds about right for your girls

 

Jo

[peepie]

mine were born at the end of January so I suppose they would be 15 months as well.

 

They look neglected at the moment and I can assure you they aren't!!

xx