Are they moulting?

Wildeone · « **on:** March 05, 2008, 13:13 »

Is it normal for ex-batts to moult soon after getting them?

My hen house seems to be full of feathers and one flap from Henny Penny and it looks like a pillow fight :roll: I thought she was looking worst rather than better!

Do i need to do anything special whilst she's moulting?

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #1 on:** March 05, 2008, 16:12 »

Sounds like moulting :!:

Make sure there are no drafts for them Wildeone. I would also feed some extra protein. I use cat food and chop it up a bit, I mix it in with some moistened layers mash but I'm sure they would also eat it on it's own. Feathers are made of protein so they will benifit from extra protein in their feed.

Some poultry spice and vitamin drops (I use poultry boost) is a good idea too but not absolutly necessary.

Being ex-bats the will need extra care than "ordinary" girls

babe · « **Reply #2 on:** March 05, 2008, 16:20 »

aw bless wildy, ive got your baby gro's, just got to make them into chook shirts.

this weeks been non stop so far.

Wildeone · « **Reply #3 on:** March 05, 2008, 18:18 »

Thanks Ladies!!!!

I went out today and the lawn is covered in feathers and it does seem to be just one thats dropping them!!! But it's really fast!!! Poor wee thing will be bald if she keeps going at this rate. Now with cat food is there any brand thats better than others and would a fishy variety be better? (Not chicken flavour! :shock: ) They're insisting on sleeping in the nest boxes! :roll: so no drafts there as she's on the bottom.

Oh and one more question (yer right! :roll: ) how long will it take?

NormandyMary · « **Reply #4 on:** March 05, 2008, 19:56 »

I buy the beef variety for mine and they love it. Especially the little chunks in gravy with veggies. I dont think it has to be Whiskers, mine certainly dont get that!

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #5 on:** March 05, 2008, 21:15 »

They've never had a perch to sleep on before, Wildeone. They don't kow they should

Wildeone · « **Reply #6 on:** March 05, 2008, 21:24 »

Quote from: "Aunt Sally"

They've never had a perch to sleep on before, Wildeone. They don't kow they should

But they are daft coz they'll perch on anything and everthing during the day!!! I even had Mrs Bennet perched on my daughters bike today but by the time i got the camera she hopped down :roll: Bless 'em they're great!!!

How long does the average moult last?

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #7 on:** March 05, 2008, 21:37 »

Quote from: "Wildeone"

How long does the average moult last?

Very variable, I seems as if she's losing them quite quickly so it should be shorter rather than longer.

Not much help that really :roll:

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