Seeds for shiny feathers?

[Johnchickens2]

Hi! I've noticed recently that two of my Serama females have a little less shiny feathers. From reading the forums here I saw that sunflower seeds and flax seeds can help with shiny feathers. The thing is, there are no black oil sunflower seeds in my area, only the striped ones. Is it also good for shiny feathers?

But either way, my chickens aren't interested in seeds so much. Tried soaking overnight, still aren't that interested.

I would appreciate your suggestions, thanks!!

 

[MysteryChicken]

Feathers become dull, & raggy looking when the feathers become old. Fresh shiny feathers will appear after molt. Shinyness can be increased by adding omega 3, & 6 fatty acids to the diet before, & during molt.

A product I love using is KickiN' Chicken.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

Hi! I've noticed recently that two of my Serama females have a little less shiny feathers. From reading the forums here I saw that sunflower seeds and flax seeds can help with shiny feathers. The thing is, there are no black oil sunflower seeds in my area, only the striped ones. Is it also good for shiny feathers?

But either way, my chickens aren't interested in seeds so much. Tried soaking overnight, still aren't that interested.

I would appreciate your suggestions, thanks!!

Do you have a Rural King in your area? Walmart has them too. TSC as well. BO Sunflower seeds will weaken egg shells. I use in moderation during molting season. I keep extra oyster rocks on the side as well during that period.

 

[Ridgerunner]

there are no black oil sunflower seeds in my area, only the striped ones. Is it also good for shiny feathers?

Yes. Many different seeds contain oil and can help a chicken's feathers to be shinier than they would otherwise be. Some people that show chickens sprinkle oil on their feed or give them a few oily seeds to help with the feather appearance. It doesn't take much and you don't want to overdo it on the oil anyway so just a few seeds per chicken is plenty.

There are other nutrients that are used to build nice feathers also, not just oil. The best thing you can do is to see that they have a balanced diet and not overdo any one thing.

 

[SourRoses]

Feathers are made from protein. Healthy feathers look beautiful and shiny. While struggling low protein feathers come out looking dreadful, and no amount of oil will fix them.
It's a good time of year to up your flocks protein content (20 - 25% feed) while they molt and grow out their new duds.

 

[Perris]

Hi! I've noticed recently that two of my Serama females have a little less shiny feathers. From reading the forums here I saw that sunflower seeds and flax seeds can help with shiny feathers. The thing is, there are no black oil sunflower seeds in my area, only the striped ones. Is it also good for shiny feathers?

But either way, my chickens aren't interested in seeds so much. Tried soaking overnight, still aren't that interested.

I would appreciate your suggestions, thanks!!

you could try offering them a tin of sardines: it will provide great protein and good fish oil in one meal. And apparently universally popular! At least, I have yet to meet a chicken that doesn't like sardines (unless they are at death's door and not eating anything).