Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Roselady]

Hi again

 

I've already asked the question on another post about my young pekins and araucana losing their feathers, and from a kind response it would appear they are all moulting; their feathers are literally all over the garden!

 

They all seem a bit lethargic, not ill (although I'm no expert) and they are still eating and drinking. Is this normal when they're moulting? I'm keeping my eye on them and the vetinerary nurse at our wonderful vets has been great - she has suggested giving them avipro to give them a boost.

 

Is it a stressful period for them when they lose their baby feathers? Apologies if this has already been covered,

 

thanks.

[dance in the dark]

Well,having just had a look at your previous post, I think moulting is really the wrong phrase. When they are about this age they do start to lose the last of their down fluff, but it is not normally quite like a mature hen's moult.

 

When fully grown hens go into a full moult it can be quite frightening for the inexperienced keeper, they seem very lethargic, get up after the other hens, go to bed before, they eat less, stop laying, look generally quite ill. It takes all the wind out of their sails.

 

With chicks it has never, in my experience been comparable to that. They do not normally become so lethergic, but it is a busy business all this growing, it's like babies, children, kittens and puppies. They go stomping around and then fall asleep right in the middle of their aforementioned stomping. I wouldn't worry, they do lose some of their feathers, but if they start looking bald, that would be a worry.

 

I agree, give them some avipro, or poultry drink or even, since they are of a decent age, a bit of cat food, or plenty of meal worms, the high protein will help them grow their feathers quickly.

[The Dogmother]

Avipro is fine, as is any decent poultry tonic like Life-Guard. If they are re-feathering and have quills coming through then try not to handle them as the new quills can be very sensitive. There's a moulting rescue product by NetTex on the market which might help.

[Roselady]

Thank you so much both for your advice and reassurance - really appreciate it

 

Yes, they do suddenly stop in their tracks for a rest! Some of their feathers seem a bit ruffled at the moment so I think that maybe their new ones are pushing through so will bare that in mind re handling them.

 

We give them live mealworms as a treat and bribery to get them back in their run