But stress, or withholding feed or water can trigger a molt at other times as well, and they also molt after being broody, (which is a sort of nature imposed withholding of food, I suppose). Protein rich … You can give them high-protein treats such as nuts, seeds, soybeans, meat, cod liver oil, boiled eggs, tuna fish, alfalfa, or bone meal. This means when they’re going through the difficult task of growing back new feathers, molting chickens need more protein than they otherwise would. Some chickens going through hard molts may look like they’re ready for the oven (and it’s kind of alarming if you’re experiencing your first molt as a chicken-keeper), but within a couple months, those bare patches of skin and spiky-looking pin feathers will give way to soft, full, beautiful plumage. A normal layer feed consists of about 16% protein, while molting chickens will benefit from a diet of up to 20% protein. Once they have the new feathers in they seem to suddenly perk up in looks and energy. Molting always seems to make the hens look sad- they look tired and tatty and their feathers look bedraggled. While rationing feed may be economical most times of the year, free access allows the chickens to have the best chance at getting the nutrients they need for their molt. During molting season, it may be helpful to increase the amount of protein that your chickens receive in their feed. I keep my chickens on layer feed year round, although some people suggest switching to a higher protein grower feed or even a game bird feed during the molting season. Providing more protein is key. Also, I read NOT to pick the hens up while they are molting, otherwise I would try … Chicken owners wonder what to feed chickens during a molt that can help them through the process. Why Are Your Chickens Molting? But I often have my spring chicks newly laying, so I want to make sure they are getting the proper nutrition to lay their eggs. You can also feed chickens small amounts of dried cat food, sunflower seeds, and oats as a way to enhance chickens’ diets during their molt. Your layers feed is probably 16 percent protein, which is normally perfect, but while they’re molting, switch to broiler feed, which is 20-25 percent protein. Usually adult hens of around eighteen months old begin to molt in the fall when the number of daylight hours decreases. The best thing you can do to support your chickens during molting season, is to feed adequate protein in the form of a high quality layer ration. Proper nutrition of chickens occupies a key place in the issue of their productivity, therefore, every farmer tries to choose the most balanced diet, both for laying hens and for representatives of the meat industry. Side note, since the hens are molting, I've added black sunflower seeds, worms or cook up protein from the kitchen and give them a little daily, plus their Layer feed they have at all times. Look for a ration that has at least 16% protein. By increasing protein intake during molt, you are giving your chickens what they need to grow shiny, healthy feathers FAST. Some recommend the free choice method of feeding as opposed to rationing when chickens are molting. Typical layers feed is 16 percent protein; during a molt, switch to a broiler blend of feed which is 20-25 percent protein instead. While I have not switched feed because we feed a good layer ration all year through, you could also switch to a meat bird ration at 18% protein. Try to keep a close watch on the hens that are lower in the pecking order, they are likely targets for feather pickers during the molt. You can do this by mixing chick feed or broiler feed (which contain about 18-20% protein) with their layer feed or by providing it as a separate snack throughout the molting … Premixes are called to help him in this, and you will now know what you need to know about them and how to use them. Here are a few ways to increase the protein intake for molting chickens:
Artnaturals Aloe Vera Gel, Network Switch Diagnostic Tool, Iron Wolf Youtube, 3 Prong Twist Lock Plug Wiring Diagram, Suboxone Clinics In Wv, How To Beat A Scorpio Man At His Own Game, Sudan Plated Lizard Natural Habitat,