Will hoey

[newcountrygirl]

Hope some of you on here can answer these questions - I know you lot are very knowlegable! Question 1 - Do cockerels moult? Percy Proudfoot seems to be shedding a few feathers at the moment. I know they are his because he is a different colour to any of my girls.

Question 2 - My little lavender Pekin Holly Shiftwell seems to have no feathers at all on her underneath part (not her back end more her underbelly). I thought I had seen somewhere that this is a sign of them wanting to hatch eggs but can't find it again. She hasnt been broody at all.

 

My golden Partridge Pekin Madge has been broody for ages. Every day I move her out of the nest box on numerous occasions but she shows no sign of coming out of her broodiness. She is eating well. My older Polish Frizzle was laying but has not laid for about a month. She doesnt seem to be moulting. They have all been wormed recently. My newest Polish Frizzle has so far not layed at all - her face has been red for a while but nothing. I know the hot weather hasnt helped but They are all driving me mad at the moment. The only two who arent giving any problem are the two Wyandottes.

[mimi5]

Yes cockerels moult too! It is quite hard on the birds and can be a time when illness strikes. I would give lifeguard in their water as it's a good vitamin boost and give extra protein (helps with feather re-growth) tuna (water not brine) mine get mealworms

 

Yes a bald under belly is a signs of broody type leanings!!! It's so the hen can keep the eggs warm from her underneath bodywarmth. They should re-grow with the moult

 

Eggs.....I know what you mean!!! Out of my 6, I'm getting if I'm lucky 3 eggs......sometimes one or even none They have been the broody queens again this year!!!!

[newcountrygirl]

Thanks Mimi5 - They are proper little madams at the moment. Mind you the heat was probably getting to them too - it has been sweltering here over the last couple of weeks. I give them apple cider vinegar in their water too to help with things.