Urgent.

[BigBlueHen53]

Thank you. I am new to this. His feathers are looking pretty rough right now. My friend who raises poultry said he was just molting and his guard feathers are starting, not to worry.
Should I offer a little extra of the mealworm mixture?

No. What are you feeding now?

 

[Rebechenson75]

No. What are you feeding now?

All flock feed 20% and occasional treats of cabbage or a mealworm mix

 

[PopoMyers]

You are doing fine with what you are feeding them. The first mini molt can be alarming, but it's normal. My coop looked like a feather pillow fight that exploded, with 16 molting. That poop is normal, too. Sometimes it's darker, sometimes lighter, always stinky.

 

[Rebechenson75]

You are doing fine with what you are feeding them. The first mini molt can be alarming, but it's normal. My coop looked like a feather pillow fight that exploded, with 16 molting. That poop is normal, too. Sometimes it's darker, sometimes lighter, always stinky.

He looks so much rougher than the others. I was expecting some but not to the extent he seems to be showing. My friend says it looks like he's going to get his guard feathers in.

The other 8 are losing a few feathers and don't look frazzled like Sesame.

 

[Rebechenson75]

Thank you all for your time and input. I hate the whole "new parent" feeling..
Take time to preen. Everyone deserves a bit of pampering.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Yes, all flock is perfectly fine. Plus grit, I assume. Don't worry unless you see blood in their stool. Poops can vary from day to day without indicating anything serious.

 

[PopoMyers]

He looks so much rougher than the others. I was expecting some but not to the extent he seems to be showing. My friend says it looks like he's going to get his guard feathers in.

The other 8 are losing a few feathers and don't look frazzled like Sesame.

Chicks hatched on the same day, but some start sooner than others. Same with egg laying. If he still looks raggedy after everyone else has finished their molting, then it could be another issue. Are they all the same breed, age? How many pullets? He sounds like he is developing into a good roo, already rounding up the others to bed.

 

[PopoMyers]

Thank you all for your time and input. I hate the whole "new parent" feeling..
Take time to preen. Everyone deserves a bit of pampering.

You are being initiated into the Chicken Tender Club. Welcome! This is the best forum, IMHO, to get help and support in our journey. Many chicken things take time and patience on our part. I would encourage you to browse the many articles on here. Also surf through YouTube and Google.

 

[Rebechenson75]

Chicks hatched on the same day, but some start sooner than others. Same with egg laying. If he still looks raggedy after everyone else has finished their molting, then it could be another issue. Are they all the same breed?

There are 3 brahmas, one BCM and 5GLW. They just started. How long can ot go on?

 

[PopoMyers]

There are 3 brahmas, one BCM and 5GLW. They just started. How long can ot go on?

Until they get all their big bird feathers. That is variable, but it is on their own schedules. A month? Or weeks? It will be ok. Breathe. Relax. Nothing to worry about.