[HelenMckenzie]

Hi, we think one of our 2 chickens is moulting, each mourning there is lots of her feathers in the coop and we don't think it's the other one pecking them out!  we think she's approx about 2 years old, she arrived in our garden one day and we asked around the close local area but no one knew anyone who had chickens so we kept her and got her a friend!

If she is moulting is there anything we should or shouldn't do?

Any advice would be very much welcome :o)

[joyfull]

This is the normal time of year for them to moult. I do nothing special for mine but you could try increasing their protein if you want to.

[helens-hens]

Lots of hens are moulting at the moment so I wouldn't worry too much. You may find her egg production goes down (which it may have done anyway as we approach winter).

Some owners supplement the dfiet of moulting hens with a little cat food or tinned tuna (the type in fresh weater not brine or oil) to help keep their protein levels up as feather production uses up a lot of protein.

[Brenda Babes]

My speckeldy hen has been moulting too so I was pleased I'm not the only one worrying about this! I can feel the new quills coming through. Thanks for the advice guys. Once again you have helped me care for the best pets I have ever had! Tuna fish for tea girls!!! x

[HelenMckenzie]

thanks for the advice peeps 

Both chooks are currently tucking into some tuna and are loving it!!

I was wondering about the egg production, as we haven't had an egg from her since the 25th, we assumed it was due to the approaching winter, although I didn't think she would stop altogether, but maybe she will..... we were getting one every other day and had had 5 in total since having her.

Our other chook hasn't laid an egg at all yet, we brought her when she was 17 weeks and shes now 21 weeks.  were assuming that they are both happy and its just the time of year......!!