Author Topic: cock bird having a hard time during moult (Read 1827 times)

lord flynn · « **on:** August 31, 2014, 02:38:26 pm »

Gollum, my SG cock is moulting and he always moults quite dramatically. Last year I took him away from the flock as they pecked at his pin feathers and made him bleed. He found that quite stressful (being away from them).
They've not done that this year (yet?!) but he looks pretty miserable today. Should I maybe take him away with one older hen for company? I know he could do with a protein boost-other than mealworms (which I have) am open to suggestions.

TIA

shygirl · « **Reply #1 on:** August 31, 2014, 04:30:18 pm »

have you tried spraying him with a anti-peck spray? or have a smaller run within the larger run?

lord flynn · « **Reply #2 on:** August 31, 2014, 05:20:57 pm »

the anti peck spray doesn't seem to have much effect atm, sorry-should have mentioned that I've tried it. I did try the run within a run thing last year but it didn't seem to be any less stressful than taking him away. His flock is free range within a paddock now so I'd imagine he'd hate that more. I'll grab him once they've roosted and have a look-I'll maybe keep him out back for a few days and get some protein down him.

NormandyMary · « **Reply #3 on:** August 31, 2014, 05:37:30 pm »

I was told to give mine beef cat food. It seemed to help. I hate seeing chooks moult. Mine usually do it in the winter, silly birds. Hope your boy grows his feathers before too long.

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #4 on:** August 31, 2014, 05:40:53 pm »

You could try keeping him out of both sight and sound of the others, so he won't mope. Cock birds of wild species hide away during the moult then reappear singing their socks off, after all.