Jenthelibrarian Posted October 19, 2013 Share Posted October 19, 2013 Josie my Warren is losing lots of feathers and looking very tatty. I'm not surprised, we got her at POL about 18 months ago, so it seems about right. How long will this go on, and how much of her plumage will she lose altogether? I'm assuming I'm not going to end up with a bald hen, poor thing Should I be feeding her up with extra protein? Some advice I've read suggests tinned tuna, which slightly revolts me, I know hens are not vegetarian, but somehow this seems just wrong! Could she have a little grated cheese? Or a wee bit of scrambled egg? Or the cat's dried food made into mash? Or am I fussing and should just let nature take its course? And start collecting 'em up for cushions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted October 19, 2013 Share Posted October 19, 2013 she'll replace all of her feathers but not all at once as to how long that can vary from 2-3 weeks to 2-3 months I find that the better they lay the quicker they moult which is probably why my 2 cockerels have been moulting since the summer one tip try not to handle her to much while she's moulting as it's a rather uncomfortable time for them as the feather pins come through. I don't give mine any extra protein but they are fed a very good feed any way plus they get mixed corn for tea most days plus today a few lucky ones have had a good few wood lice that were on the fire wood I've brought home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merlina Posted October 19, 2013 Share Posted October 19, 2013 this has been my first summer of moults so I'm no expert (the past 2 years my girls decided not to bother ) They have lost a variable amount of feathers from various places over various amounts of time - so that's not very helpful - sorry! No-one ended up bald, but my poor light sussex has lot the most feathers over the longest period of time and looks most bedraggled. The others looked a little scruffy for a couple of weeks and have now smartened up I feed mine (very very well cooked) scrambled egg semi-regularly and they really love it, so if you want to give them something 'extra' that would be one option I've given them leftover fish before (they're very picky and don't like the skins!), but personally the thought of them eating catfood makes me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted October 19, 2013 Share Posted October 19, 2013 I do give my girls tuna twice a week, at the moment at about half five so they have a good source of protein and a full crop before bed, I also add some mealworms to it.....I know....RANK....as a vegitarian I do find it a struggle but what can you do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
