The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: langdon on September 28, 2010, 09:24:29 pm

Title: lay of layers?
Post by: langdon on September 28, 2010, 09:24:29 pm

with the cold weather pushing in now and this been about when chucks get ready for molting meaning
less eggs would it make sense to lay of the layer pellets during this with saving cash in mind and food,
can it be bad in anyway giving too many layer pellets while they are molting and not laying much?
thanks for any comments ;) :chook:

Title: Re: lay of layers?
Post by: little blue on September 29, 2010, 07:01:49 pm

the protein in the layers pellets would help them to grow new feathers - one of the reasons for less eggs during the moult is (I understand) the hens cant manufacture both eggshell and feathers.

on the other hand, a few oats would help keep them warm so maybe replace just some of the pellets with straights?

Title: Re: lay of layers?
Post by: supplies for smallholders on September 29, 2010, 07:53:56 pm

Feathers are made of protein (mainly) thats why normally they can't grow new feathers and put enough protein aside to lay eggs as well.

If anything we find our hens eat more during a moult - so keep up the layers pellets or find another source of protein for them.

Thanks

Title: Re: lay of layers?
Post by: langdon on September 29, 2010, 10:14:32 pm

 ;) thanks

Title: Re: lay of layers?
Post by: darkbrowneggs on September 30, 2010, 12:10:04 am

Yes extra protein is good for them when going through the moult, earth worms or even meal worms, though that wont help the budget much.  Apparently maize is good if the weather is cold for helping to keep them warm

All the best
Sue
Dark Brown Eggs

Title: Re: lay of layers?
Post by: spikey_fridge on September 30, 2010, 07:38:20 am

silly time to moult isnt it? its getting cold now ....

just saying!