Shorter days are right around the corner, as summer season changes to fall. A few changes can be expected around the coop, such as a smaller number of daily eggs being produced, and chickens dropping feathers during molt. Molting usually happens for chickens after they are one year old. In order to minimize the molting process, a few changes in management can be beneficial.
Chicken feathers are made up of protein, so when a chicken begins molting and drops feathers, it is wise to increase in the amount of protein the chickens are consuming. Here’s how: One month before molting begins; start mixing Modesto Milling Certified Organic Chick Starter and Grower with Modesto Milling Certified Organic Layer Feed. Here’s why: Chick starters have a higher protein level and help achieve faster recovery rate of lost feathers. Mixing Modesto Milling Certified Organic Chick Starter and Layer Feeds together for seven straight days, before discontinuing organic layer feed during molting will help minimize any digestive disturbances in chickens.
Chicken feathers are made up of protein, so when a chicken begins molting and drops feathers, it is wise to increase in the amount of protein the chickens are consuming. Here’s how: One month before molting begins; start mixing Modesto Milling Certified Organic Chick Starter and Grower with Modesto Milling Certified Organic Layer Feed. Here’s why: Chick starters have a higher protein level and help achieve faster recovery rate of lost feathers. Mixing Modesto Milling Certified Organic Chick Starter and Layer Feeds together for seven straight days, before discontinuing organic layer feed during molting will help minimize any digestive disturbances in chickens.
After the chicken molting is completed, remember to return to regular feed regimen. Once again, return slowly over a seven-day process. This return process is optimized by mixing Modesto Milling Certified Organic Layer Feed with Certified Organic Chick Starter and Grower, until 100% return to Organic Layer Feed is achieved. Important Tip: Decrease the amount treats that are low in protein, such as scratch. These low protein treats surprisingly will not promote the faster feather growth for chickens during molting season. Remember: Treats should only make up 10% of the overall diet.
Did you also know: There is more to be considered, than just the diet during molting? Smart management practices will help chickens recover faster. For example, sunlight or even artificial sunlight is needed for 14-15 hours a day in the coop. Adding LED lighting to help make up for lost sunlight which in turn promotes greater egg production outcomes. Also, a clean coop with fresh bedding will help keep chickens while they are missing feathers from getting sick or contracting infections.
Important reminder: After cleaning the coop, give your flock a health inspection and make sure molting is the only issue you are experiencing. Consider waiting until molting is 100% complete before adding new chicks or for that matter, new chickens to your flock. Minimizing stress and changes during molting, like the tips and ideas discuss in this blog, will help the seasonal molting process go smoother and finish up faster. Finally: It almost goes without saying that smart chicken management practices include providing clean, fresh water regularly.
Why this matters: After the well-managed molting process is complete, with new feathers and during full egg production, your flock will be healthy and strong. And best of all, the chickens will be well prepared for unexpected conditions and fluctuations during the upcoming winter season.
From the Scratch Pad Team at Modesto Milling Organic Feed