auntielizzie Posted March 22, 2015 Share Posted March 22, 2015 I've had my rescue girls for two weeks today There's lots of new feather growth going on; on their necks and faces and also wings and backs. I have noticed though quite a lot of old feathers falling off in the coop and the run. Is this because they're going to have a moult, or do the new feathers coming through push the old ones out in rescue hens? Lovely sunny but chilly day today, so they've all been pootling about in the FR area having a great time. They have integrated with the two big girls fantastically well and they all live and sleep together with no problems at all. Also, the rescue girls seem to eat A LOT of grit! (as well as a lot of food!). Is that a rescue hen thing? Today I introduced them to spring greens, which they really liked. They already are under the spell of the mealworm (they all come running now when I shake the tub ). In fact, they have grown in confidence so much in two weeks. Oh, and Elsie has stopped limping now (I think she must have had a sprain or bruise). I'm very pleased with progress so far. Selling lots of eggs too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted March 22, 2015 Share Posted March 22, 2015 They may just be having a partial moult, are the feathers your finding the big feathers or the fluffy down feathers? During A partial moult they can lose just the neck feathers. If they are having a mould, feathers are about 85% protein so it takes a lot out of the girls so some additional help in the form of high protein food may be needed. Maybe a nice handful of mealworms:) My ex cage fighters are the greediest girls ever, 6 months on they still are, they are insatiable!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auntielizzie Posted March 22, 2015 Author Share Posted March 22, 2015 Thanks gavlojak I think they might be moulting then. They don't look like downy feathers, but they don't look like big ones either I expect it will become clear soon enough what's going on though; I was just a bit surprised that they might go in to a moult so soon when they are so lacking in feathers to begin with At least it's beginning to get a bit warmer now. Any thoughts on the grit though? They are already hooked on mealworms but I shall get plenty in for them if that is the best source of protein for them during moult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted March 22, 2015 Share Posted March 22, 2015 Mine seem to have fits and starts with the grit but if they are fit and well in every other way I wouldn't worry.I give my girls tuna when they need a protein boost (don't tell DEFRA) but a handful of mealworms will be fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindig Posted March 24, 2015 Share Posted March 24, 2015 Yes one of my rescue hens has dropped a load of feathers (both downy and quill). She looks bedraggled but not bare anywhere, and is also growing a lot of feathers back. She also seemed a bit miserable at times - not coming out of coop in mornings, eating less etc. She has perked up loads now, doesn't seem to be dropping feathers as much if at all, and much happier. No idea about grit and food as I have nothing to compare mine to! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
