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Nutrition for Molting Hens
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Posted by nhsuzanne z5 SW-NH (My Page) on Mon, Oct 26, 09 at 9:30
| My hens are in serious molt right now and their combs are looking very anemic. I have been adding a high protein dog food to their feed 3 times a week plus adding electrolytes to their water. They get several hours of free range time so lots of bugs and grass. What else can I give them to make them look less pale? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Nutrition for Molting Hens
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| Sounds good, what you are doing. millions of chickens get by on just laying mash/pellets. The combs will get nicely red as they attain their new plumage. |
RE: Nutrition for Molting Hens
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| Mine are molting too, as they do every year at this time. They look awful, poor babies. :) Molting and growing new feathers takes LOTS of energy and protein, my birds tend to have a lower activity level during molt, and spend more time standing around grumpily. The lower activity level may be contributing to the paler combs/wattles. Also, check them for signs of mites and worms, both of which can weaken the bird and cause anemia (especially the mites). Extra protein is good, plus a little bit of fat--it helps with any dry skin issues. Velvet ~:> |
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