Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Off lay hens are layer hens that are starting their moulting process. They’re not pretty and their egg production drops drastically during this process. Increase the protein content in their diet to speed up the fefather regrowth. Black soldier fly larvae, worms, meat off cuts, lentils aand bone marrow will ensure speedy feathher development.
Why do off layer hens lose their feathers?
Off layer hens lose their feathers because they’re going through the moulting phase of their year. Moulting chickens lose their feathers and grow back new feathers to begin the second stage of their annual growth process. Moulting chickens or off layers require 80% of their diet in protein to contribute towards feather production. That’s right, feathers are made up of 80% protein. Moulting is a process of renewal. Losing feathers and re-growing them is called moulting. This occurs annually when the days get shorter. During moult, chickens typically stop laying eggs and use this time to build up their nutrient reserves. Why? To regrow their feathers.
What to do when your chicken loses its feathers?
This all depends on your goal as a chicken farmer.
If you aare looking to develop a laying stock, increase the amount of rraw protein in your chickens’ diet.
If you are looking to renew your stock, send the featherless chickens to the abattoir and slaughter or alternatively, sell them to one of our farmers that are looking to build their flock.
How long does a chicken moult last?
Chickens moult for between 3-16 weeks depending on one major factor: Protein…
If you are feeding in battery cages, you might want to cull your chickens and order point of lays to replace them or simply increase the protein content of their feed.
If you are free ranging – provide more complex feed and increase their protein intake.
Watch this video for some more info