Another Moulting question

Mands · **Posted:** Tue Apr 02, 2013 8:25 am

So I think one of my Light Sussex is moulting. She did so as soon as she stopped being broody - lost some feathers around her neck, got a bit grumpy and lost some tail feathers. But that's the extent of her feather loss.

Her comb is pale (expected), but it also seems much SMALLER than her sisters. Her sister's combs are flared and upright, hers is smaller and stunted. Is that normal? To have the comb change size as well as colour when they're moulting?

She's eating well, dust bathing, drinking, all that. She just looks...less.

Mands

oozcorpse · **Joined:** Sun Nov 04, 2007 8:15 am **Posts:** 2715

yes the comb being smaller is to be expected - when it starts to colour up again = that is a good sign she is getting ready to start laying again
you may want to treat them for mites and lice now too - going thru a moult is a trying time and to have no parasites (NOT saying your birds do as I am just generalising) helps them get thru it easier

Mands · **Posted:** Tue Apr 02, 2013 2:52 pm

Thanks, soozorps! Most comforting. Her comb (I'm sure) used to be the same size as the others. Now it's all weird

Good to know it's normal.

I'm cleaning the entire coop this weekend, so everything will be dusted with Pestene - including the girls

Happy times

Mands

LOOLOO · **Posted:** Wed Apr 03, 2013 7:31 am

Its always fun dusting the chooks, NOT! I get more dust on me and hubby than the chooks :lol:

LooLoo

oozcorpse · **Joined:** Sun Nov 04, 2007 8:15 am **Posts:** 2715

viewtopic.php?f=43&t=31941&hilit=+lime+wash

if possible Lime wash the pens, nest boxes, perches etc as well - this helps keep the little beasties away AND gives a nice white appearance to all wood [smilie=a_goodjobson.gif]

making the birds seem to 'pop' out from the background

it sticks pretty well to iron as well
just make sure you use old clothes as it can take the colour out a bit

Mands · **Posted:** Wed Apr 03, 2013 10:36 am

And with lime wash recipe! [smilie=a_goodjob.gif]

I'll get some this weekend. What a terrific resource this forum is - as well as the brilliant people on it

Mands

oozcorpse · **Joined:** Sun Nov 04, 2007 8:15 am **Posts:** 2715

FYI = most Produce Stores sell both the Ag and Hydrated Lime AND the Alum = cheaper from a Produce Store
Alum is abt $2 to $3 per kilo at the Produce Stores that keep it - buy it in 1kg lots
and as you use so little each time it lasts for ages - keep it in an airtight container tho (clicklock containers work well for this) buy it in 1kg lots

= forgot :oops:

that bit before! = sorry!

# have added this to the recipe thread [smilie=a_goodjobson.gif]

oozcorpse · **Joined:** Sun Nov 04, 2007 8:15 am **Posts:** 2715

Another thought re moulting = the feathers go everywhere so once they have finished and before you lime wash = clean out the pens flooring matter/and feathers and compost it for later use on the garden – the feathers are organic so can be composted :-D

And before putting new flooring material down = that is when you lime wash to get it into every crevice

Sorry for giving you more work

and dont forget to read the post above this one

Mands · **Posted:** Thu Apr 04, 2013 7:53 am

Hahahah! No worries, soozorps! Thanks for the additional info. I couldn't find Alum at the local supermarket so will try the produce store up the road on the weekend. Failing that - Bunnings

I might have to order some online so that give me another week to prep the big coop clean!

One very newbie question - does the lime wash need to dry completely before putting the girls back in? I mean, there's no fumes or anything from the wash that need to...dissipate for 24 hours or anything like that?

Mands

Cordelia · **Posted:** Thu Apr 04, 2013 3:45 pm

This is very interesting to read and very helpful

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