What to feed moulting chickens?
All types of fish, either fresh, cooked or canned, are great sources of protein for molting chickens. You can give them the entire fish – head, guts, bones and all. Shrimp shells, raw or cooked, lobster shells and innards, plus the shrimp and lobster meat can all be offered to your chickens.
Is it bad to introduce new chickens to your flock?
Introducing new birds to your flock can be a stressful time for the new birds, the established flock and for you. Chickens can be very cruel to one another, as least it will appear that way to you. They have a strict pecking order and it’s literally established by pecking.
When to put new Hens on the roost?
If you don’t have that luxury, put your new birds on the roost at night when the existing flock is fast asleep and let them wake up together. The next morning, if at all possible, separate your established flock from the new hens.
What should I give my flock when I have new hens?
Remember, it’s just as stressful for your existing flock to have their order upset. Be sure everyone has plenty to do, eat, and drink and all should be well. This is a good time to offer ACV Tonic (2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar to 1 gallon of water) to everyone.
Why are some of my chickens losing their feathers?
You will notice when you add new chickens to your existing flock there will also be some jostling for position in the pecking order and as a result some of your chickens will lose their feathers. This should settle down in a few days if you introduce the chickens to each other properly.
When do hens lay less and less often?
As your hens get older, they will lay less frequently. Usually, they lay best during their first and second year, then as they approach three years old, their laying will decrease. By the time they’re about five years old, they’ll only be laying about half as frequently as they did at their peak.
Why do chickens pick on the weakest member of the flock?
Chickens rarely show any signs of illness or weakness. If they do, other flock members will pick on them and either drives them from the flock or kill them. This sounds awful, but remember, the flock in the wild is as strong as its’ weakest member. It’s simply a survival tactic.
When does a chicken go through a molt?
A general rule to follow is the 90/10 rule. This means the hen’s diet should be made of at least 90 percent complete feed. Around 18 months of age and annually after, chickens go through molt, which is defined as a period of feather loss and regrowth. Molt usually occurs in autumn and is associated with a decrease in egg production.
What happens if you add a new rooster to your flock?
Adding an unfamiliar rooster to an existing flock with an established rooster is a recipe for disaster. Two unfamiliar roosters meeting each other for the first time usually ends in bloodshed. The established rooster sees the newbie as a threat to his flock and his role as head honcho.
