Unsecure chicken perches

[chuckmum6]

I have two little bantam marans, who seem to have been in a permanent moult since autumn. They have never stopped laying and are healthy, happy girls, but they look pretty ropey in the feather department! I just wonder if there is any thing I could do to help them over the moult. On top of layers pellets, they get mixed corn covered in cod liver oil and poultry spice as a tea time treat most days, and they have water with poultry tonic or Citricidal and the other glug with cider vinegar (they also have just plain water too), so I don't think their diet is lacking anything. I have dusted them in case of mites, but don't think they have any. I have also had a quick squirt of anti peck spray as I watched one of the other hens grazing on one of them. They are both a good body weight. I tend to think it is just because they are laying at the same time as moulting, so haven't rested properly, they never stopped laying even when it was very cold and they were on a higher corn diet to keep them warm. Any advice welcome.

[alet_chicken]

You could perhaps increase the protein in their diet. Mealworms (dried or wriggly), tuna (in spring water), or cat food a couple of times a week might make a difference.

 

I had a similar situation with my cream legbar Mildred last year, a really reliable layer but not so great on growing feathers back, the poor thing looked terrible. She had a large bald spot on her crest for six months or more. I had tried everything I suggested to you above, with no effect, but what turned the corner for her is when I tried out Nettex Total Moulting Solution last autumn when the others moulted.

[Egluntyne]

I'd put them off the corn and onto layers pellets. There isn't much real nutrition in corn. A tonic such as Lifeguard will help too.

[chuckmum6]

I'd put them off the corn and onto layers pellets. There isn't much real nutrition in corn. A tonic such as Lifeguard will help too.

They are on layers, just have corn as a afternoon treat. I gave them more corn when it was very cold in December, but layers is the main food they get. I'm going to try them with some tuna now! Thanks.

 

.......Well tuna is very popular!!!!!!! Lasted all of 1 minute before it was gone, I'm pleased to say the ropey marans certainly had plenty.