Is it the time of year?

[bantiekeeper]

I have noticed since the equinox that my hens do not seem to be so energetic as before. They do not come running out of the run like they used to before the days got shorter. When they are out on the allotment they wander round for 15 minutes then stand in a group and sit or preen before going off for another walk round. I had to have 1 pts today and I am left with 5. Of these 5 four are in moult. I have upped the protein by giving them some mealworms each day plus Garvo pellets.
Is this normal behaviour for this time of year, or could it be the weather of late. I did not notice it last year but I have never had so many moulting at once before. They appear to be feeding ok and are all red. Would the sick hen, which had diabetes, have had any effect on their behaviour? One in particular was inclined to have a go at the sick hen at times. Was she looking to get herself higher up the pecking order?

 

[Chuck]

If they are in a heavy moult, they will not be as active as normal and do more preening of the feathers. The moult is perfectly natural and as most cease laying, there is no need for any extra feed during this time.

I would argue that to give extra at this time, causes many to put on too much weight which is likely to cause problems when they start to lay again.

Most poultry in back gardens and allotments are fed far too much, especially if compared to commercial layers which have to perform on layers ration and water !

 

[bantiekeeper]

Thanks for the advice Chuck. 17

 

[chrismahon]

Noticed our Orpingtons are getting very fat during the moult and are going onto basic rations starting tomorrow. They should be going into a big hampster wheel for an hour a day -could I make one???