Molting hen not acting normal

[Emrosenagel]

Hello!

I’ve got three hens at 1 1/4 years old. One hatched eggs a month ago and instantly went into a molt; she’s acting fine, busy with the chicks. One hasn’t started yet, and it’s the third, Rachel, that is acting off.
About a week ago I noticed that her feathers were looking raggedy. Then I noticed the feathers, not a lot, but a handful every day. Like four days ago she started to act a little off. She doesn’t want to move around very much, is preening most of the time, and isn’t too interested in treats (she did go for the meal worm though). Last night I checked to see if she had pin feathers, and sure enough she does. Not a huge amount, but they are coming in all over.
Is this decreased activity normal for molting birds? She’s still bright red, not hunching over.

Thanks!

 

[BDutch]

Hello!

I’ve got three hens at 1 1/4 years old. One hatched eggs a month ago and instantly went into a molt; she’s acting fine, busy with the chicks. One hasn’t started yet, and it’s the third, Rachel, that is acting off.
About a week ago I noticed that her feathers were looking raggedy. Then I noticed the feathers, not a lot, but a handful every day. Like four days ago she started to act a little off. She doesn’t want to move around very much, is preening most of the time, and isn’t too interested in treats (she did go for the meal worm though). Last night I checked to see if she had pin feathers, and sure enough she does. Not a huge amount, but they are coming in all over.
Is this decreased activity normal for molting birds? She’s still bright red, not hunching over.

Thanks!

It’s normal moulting chickens don’t feel very well. Some do not like to eat the layer feed. You can offer chick feed and some extras as well. This is probably better for their needs.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...off-their-usual-feed-when-they-moult.1498056/

 

[aart]

Is this decreased activity normal for molting birds?

Yes, it can be...affects some more than others.

 

[DLA]

I've noticed some of mine acting off when they're molting too. It's pretty normal to see them acting anti-social and lazy/sluggish. I find fermented feed to be quite the favorite during molting time. Here's one of my girls - Cleo, from today. LOL. poor thing.

 

[Mrs. K]

The first time mine molted, I thought they were dying. Their feathers look terrible, they are crabby, hunks fall off. You really don't think they will live... and then the new feathers come on, and they look liked going from cinderella to ready for the ball!