skye Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 Dear kind Omlet people I expect a lot of you with chooks older than their first winter are experiencing a bit of moulting action. Our run looks as if there's been an explosion in a pillow factory. The three worst are two of our hybrids and our orps. One had such a dramatic moult last year she became ill. But I'm monitoring them carefully this time, giving them avi pro and acv/oregostim in their water, and keeping them out of drafts and damp. I'm worried though. Their appetites seem to have ground to a halt. There are six of them and the feeder is hardly going down every day. Past couple of days I've made the pellets into a warm mash, but only a couple of them will touch it. I know they aren't laying, but surely it can't be good for them to be eating as little as this at a time when they should be getting as much protein as poss? I've ordered some Garvo Alfamix and some of that Nettex Moult Tonic, neither has arrived yet though. Does anybody else have similar experiences or advice for me? Thank you in advance skye x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skye Posted October 27, 2010 Author Share Posted October 27, 2010 Oh, forgot to say, I've just wormed them with Flubenvet (no sign of anything). One of the Orps feels so light when you pick her up compared to how she was skye x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 When they are off lay and moulting, their appetite decreases massively, so it's probably nothing to worry about. Sounds as if you have all bases covered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skye Posted October 27, 2010 Author Share Posted October 27, 2010 Thank you for putting my mind at rest Egluntyne. I've just been in the garden with them and they are all pecking about merrily, lots of digging and general nosiness... I think they're ok for now. I guess they're just giving their systems a rest for a while. They are so quiet too! I'm used to cringing at the sound of one of them shouting in the mornings but no - not a peep! The nettex arrived so they've got some of that in their water now. Thank you again. skye x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 Mine are moutling at the moment too and eating practically nothing. Not really interested in food, even when I sprinkle corn in the run - something they usually fight for Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 I think I read somewhere it takes 4oz of feed to produce an egg, so I suppose if they are not laying they will need less food. I would check how they feel when you pick them up, and if the breast bone is not too prominent I wouldn't worry. all the best Sue Dark Brown Eggs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Powerlady Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 What about trying some poultry spice? That may buck them up a bit? Worth a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skye Posted October 28, 2010 Author Share Posted October 28, 2010 Thanks for the suggestions, all. May I just say. They haven't stopped stuffing their faces since the Garvo Alfamix arrived this afternoon!! Good heavens they love that stuff! Let's hope it's as good for them as I've read! So good to see and hear them all troughing again... looks lovely, wouldn't mind a bowl of it meself with some milk maybe skye x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
