Americanas stopped laying

[JakeFlyFish]

Some of my 10 chickens have lost feathers on the neck and seem to have nearly stopped laying, any idea what might be going on with the girls? Thanks to all that respond, Jake

[Dondoyle26]

They are molting. They do this once a year. Its the time of the year that new feathers grow in. While the feathers are growing in their will be no eggs. They should be over it in a month or so. Depends on how long it takes them to molt.

[Bresis]

You can help them along by giving a small handful of dry cat kibble a few times a week. The high animal protein content will really help their new feathers :)

[JakeFlyFish]

Thanks to all for replying, Jake

[JakeFlyFish]

Just so I don't mess something up, when you say cat kibbles, are you talking about kibbles & bits? Thanks, Jake

[Evy]

No, just any dry cat food.

[Bresis]

No, just any dry cat food.

Yup! They're not fussy but some shapes of catfood kibble are hard for them to swallow so consider this or be willing to grind it to some extent :)

[JakeFlyFish]

What about dog food if I were to grind it up a bit? Thanks, Jake

[Bresis]

Dog food is differently formulated than a cat's - for one there is generally less protein and more carbohydrates in it. With cat food you only need a little bit since it packs more protein per piece than dog food does. You'd have to feed more dog food as a consequence. If you're a hunter or get meat scraps you can feed it to chickens as a different source of protein, but I'd be concerned with too much fat from that and bacteria/disease with standing meat. For me catfood is just easier, but do what's best for you :)

[JakeFlyFish]

I'll buy cat food, thanks for the information on this, much appreciated, Jake

[Bresis]

Anytime! I hope your hens feather out well.