[bunch29]

Same as mine they are scratching about really happily cant believe how quickly they have come on so nice to see them like this its funny though they still dont get certain foods etc they look at it like im mad 

[Newt]

I've recent moved in 8 ex-batt hens, they laid brillianty for the first 4 days (much to my suprise) but they have since gone off they're lay and started moulting, they seem very happy and have certainly taken to the free range life.  I know that they don't normally moult until the end of summer but this seems to be something quite common with ex-batt hens, a fellow rescuer had the same problem at the same time of year, it took them a 4-6 but I don't think they've missed a day laying since!

[bunch29]

Sounds like its quite normal then! they're happy so will wait give em time and see what happens.

[richyrich7]

Problem is Newt their kept in artificial light conditions one day they have no space and 23+ hrs of light , the next their out side with normal light levels 12 hours about now so to them it is Autumn. Look after them and they will repay you. Don't over feed with treats, it does them no good... just like us really  

I found with my girls that they don't really start laying until they have more or less regrown their flight feathers which they drop last.( I think )

Welcome to the forums btw  

[bunch29]

Ok Thanks just give them time then I think.

They are always chasing me for food but is it ok to give them corn everyday or shud it just be now and then?

[Newt]

 That makes sense, I did wonder why they were moulting.

They're being quite good food wise, they'll eat anything we give, they're getting about 1/2 handful of corn and grains and then 1/2 a handful of layers mash per chicken in the morn and another 1/2 of corn in the evening. We're topping it up with cooked veg peel, plain cooked left over pasta and rice and some greens every other day or so. I have the same problem with them always seeming to want more food, they were a little under weight when we first got them, but they're doing well and are a more healthy weight now.

[richyrich7]

  just remember not to over feed them, fat hens lay few eggs and can have associated problems.
Mine have access to layers pellets all day, they get a couple of handfuls of mixed corn between the 4 of them about a 1hr/ 1/2 hr before bed time, a few scraps not too much mind, every now and then they love cooked pasta but it's too fattening so thats a real treat.

[Newt]

We only gave them cooked pasta every other day for the first week because they were so under weight, now the better weather is here and the greens are starting to poke through they're onto mash and scattard corn. Its just nice to see them enjoying they're retirement.

I've heard a tin of cat food as a weekly treat is good if they're moulting?

[richyrich7]

I've heard a tin of cat food as a weekly treat is good if they're moulting?

Yes one or two of our members on here feed it to their hens, others feed a few maggots, anything high in protein I would have thought would help while the are in moult.

[alotment shed]

well get layers pellets and some meal worm from your local pet store mix it all up in water till its mushy warm warters better so do it at home then take down to chickens . mash it up trill its paste. they will lay then .