Avoid Chicken Molting.

By Mervis Mukwiza

Alpha blessed poultry farm Zambia has taken the role of helping farmers across the country in teaching them about topics concerning poultry farming such as broiler production, brooding, making feed, incubation and diseases management.

However, Isaac Sikazwe, the Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Blessed poultry farm Zambia has observed that Most poultry farmers overlook chicken molting which is the shedding of chicken feathers as this always makes the chickens appear tired and tatty, nonetheless, farmers are being urged to properly retain their chickens during this period as it may happen due to age, low consumed nutrients or environmental changes.

“Molting is normal as it happens at the end of summer as well as winter or autumn and can take 1-3 months. During this period, hens can stop laying eggs in the process” He said.

Therefore, poultry farmers have been urged that there are ways in which one can properly take care of chickens during this period such as increasing protein levels and switching to feed with higher proteins can help the chickens. Always try to give the chicken foods like nuts, mealworms or yogurt.

It is further urged that farmers should start skipping snacks as the low carb and high sugar treats are not good during the fall of molting. Bread, fruits, vegetables and other low protein foods should be fed at minimum level and instead opt for worms and grain seeds.

In addition, poultry farmers should try to use fermented feed as it has tones of probiotics and fermented vitamins, minerals and protein. Try not to constantly pick up the chickens as the feathers can be filled with blood and are sensitive to touch.

“Weather affects them the most.” He said. “During the cold, make sure to place heat lumps because without feathers, chickens would have a hard time regulating their body temperature”

It is always important to note that however scrubby the situation may be, molting is natural and chickens mostly come through if properly taken care of.

Hehas since advised that most birds need protein Keratin, which protects theepithelial cell from diseases or stress.

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