Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat
Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: Bonniebean on November 07, 2010, 07:45
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Morning everyone! I have a hen who is moulting quite severely but has been behaving normally - eating and drinking ok, poo ok. This morning we have had quite a drop in temperature and her comb and wattles are very pale, much more so than when she lays an egg. Is this likely because she is conserving her core temperature? She is active with the others and eating and drinking - they have Poultry spice and garlic in their food, stressless in their water and greens available all day. Is there anything else I can give her to warm her through? I don't want to bring her in as she seems quite happy (as much as she can when looking like a scarecrow!) Any advice would be great - thanks, Sue
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Hello Bonniebean,
I am not that experienced and I'm sure someone more experienced will be along to give you tips.
As I understand it hens do get a little out of condition when they are moulting and usually stop laying (pale comb and wattles). Also it is getting to long nights and short days when hens usually slow down in laying or stop altogether.
I have read in this forum about hens running around in the snow looking oven-ready but coming through none the worse.
I have heard about apple cider vinegar, which you can add to the water. You can also make a warm mash with layers pellets. My girls also love a small treat of mealworms at teatime (shortly before I shut them in this time of year).
If you are worried about her temperature you can feel under the wing of one of your other hens and then under her wing to see if it feels different.
Good luck! :)
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Thanks for the reply bantamnovice, I give the girls warm mash morning and afternoon and at the moment they have the Stressless in their water because of the moult. I have just given her a little tuna in spring water and she has pinked up slightly!
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don't worry she will get her new feathers soon :)
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generally, when do chickens start to moult?
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They generally moult around the autumn but it is a very moveable feast - they moult when they are ready!
Their combs do go pale when they are not laying it is nothing to worry about :)
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Nutri drops from Net tex are very good instant perk up tonic fed to the affected bird and have effect withing 30 mins or so. Get them at animal feed place or country wide shops etc. As for the molt, usually in tune with the leaves dropping off the trees. To do with day light hours triggering the sensory organs in their eyes before the really bad weather comes so they have a nice set of new warm feathers for the winter.
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Thanks all for your help. I will have a look at Net Tex, thanks mrsploppy!