Moulting and feather damage in chickens
As we are now well into autumn, it is quite commonplace for many chickens to begin their annual moult, although the time of year that they start can vary between birds.
Moulting is a completely natural process, and many birds will replace their feathers seqentially so as not to be completely bald. However, they will stop producing eggs and you should take measures to help reduce your chicken's stress as much as possible.
Chicken Vet offers a range of products to help your chickens during this time, and also discourage any further, more serious feather loss due to pecking from other chickens.
The Moulting Process
Your chicken's feathers are made up of over 80% protein, and although chicken feed contains enough protein for it's daily needs (including egg production), during a moult it will require additional protein replenishment. Low levels of protein may lead to poor feather regrowth and a prolonged period before laying recommences.
Chicken Vet Amino+
One of the best products that we can recommend to help your bird during feather loss is Chicken Vet Amino+. This contains a combination of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein.
It can be used:
as a nutritional aid
during extreme hot or cold weather conditions
as a support for stressed chickens
Chicken Vet Amino+ should be administered in your bird's drinking water for at least 5 consecutive days during a moult.
Chicken Vet Amino+ - £5.95
Chicken Vet Anti Peck 250ml spray
If you have a number of chickens, then even if they are not in moult, you may wish to prevent them from pecking one another or even pecking themselves.
Feather pecking amongst birds can be caused by stress, boredom, or protein deficiency, as birds will often eat their own and each other's feathers. A feather pecked bird may have noticeable bald patches around the head, back, or vent.
Chicken Vet Anti Peck Spray has been carefully formulated to modify this behaviour. The Anti Peck Spray should be sprayed on the pecked areas of your chicken. The unpalatable taste will discourage further pecking of that area. Continue using the product for the full 7 days to ensure that feather pecking does not return.
Chicken Vet Anti Peck Spray - £6.97
All products and prices listed are exclusive of VAT and delivery charges.
For more information, please visit our online shop. Alternatively, please contact us on 01392 872885 or email info@chickenvet.co.uk for further details and ordering.
Many thanks,
The Chicken Vet Team
Visit us at www.chickenvet.co.uk
