chickenopolis Posted November 1, 2011 Share Posted November 1, 2011 Flo is having a moult - think she had a mini one last year but this year she is going at it full steam - feathers all over the place! She is quite perky, eating and drinking A LOT (but she was always a big drinker so not too concerned). However. her poos are very runny, almost just water, which I have put down to eating a lot of grass and drinking water. Is this typical of a lady in moult? Also her comb has shrunk, but I think that's just what happens! Flo hasnt laid an egg for about 6 months but has laid a few sizeable lashes. If she is looking ill, or the above symptoms could be something else I will of course take her to the vet, but at the moment I can't catch her. Sometimes she just stands there and closes her eyes and I am panicing when that happens - as I can't remember her doing that last year, but she might have. Am a bit concerned - can anyone shed any light on this please. Thank you. Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
balti Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 I have this problem too. Just come back from a week away and feathers everywhere. Its only one chicken though. Today more feathers everywhere and she has a really dirty bum and pooing water. Have not noticed the staring, eyes closed bit as yet as not had time yet to study her. This has happened though to previous chickens i have had - And I know its not always a good sign. I will worm them tonight as it has been a while but never the moulting1? Is this normal with a elderly chicken - I guess she is 4 - 5 years old. Welcome any feed back... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 I wouldn't worm a hen which is moulting or otherwise under the weather - worm before or after the moult. I'd cut out all treats, get them on growers feed and add Bokashi Barn and live yoghurt to stabilise their gut, plus ACV in the water - ought to help. A good poultry tonic such as Life-Guard is always helpful when they are moulting, if they look really poorly then dose with Nutri-drops. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
balti Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 Thanks won't worm them then. What do you mean by growers feed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 It's called growers feed (usually pellets) and you have younger birds (pre-laying) on it. It has a higher level of protein to help them produce new feathers and helps to slow down of stop their laying - gives them a rest and lets them concentrate their energies on new feathers rather than eggs. Mine are all pure breeds which will stop laying for the winter, so when the eggs dry up I switch them onto growers for a couple of months until they start up again. Most feed brands also produce growers feed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
