Moult and coat change: the most demanding time of the animal year

Between August and December, almost all animals go through the same thing: racing pigeons and cage birds shed their flight feathers and rebuild them, hens go into full moult after the laying season, and horses and dogs push out their winter coats. All of this is hard labour for the metabolism – because feathers, hair and skin consist largely of keratin, and its basic building blocks are the sulphur-containing amino acids methionine and cysteine.

That is exactly why breeders and keepers traditionally reach for flowers of sulphur during this phase: finely ground, purified sulphur as a straight feeding stuff that supplements the ration at a time of increased demand.

The practical calendar: which animals need support and when

• August–September: the young bird season comes to an end and the main moult in pigeons begins. Depending on the breed, hens enter full moult – including a laying break.
• September–November: peak moult in pigeons and poultry; horses and dogs begin their coat change.
• November–December: the plumage is largely renewed; now it is decided how smooth and close-feathered your birds go into the breeding and show season.

How to use flowers of sulphur in the loft and coop

• Pigeons: during the moult, feed approx. 5 g per kg of feed regularly over slightly moistened feed – two to three times a week.
• Chickens: as with pigeons, over the feed; many keepers also add a little flowers of sulphur to the sand bath.
• Horses: during the coat change, give a course of approx. 5–10 g daily over 4–6 weeks with the feed.
• Dogs: a knife tip per 10 kg body weight, a few times a week.

The details on the respective product label always apply. Flowers of sulphur supplement the ration – they replace neither a balanced feed nor the vet.

Which flowers of sulphur for which stock?

At Tierfutterpro you will find feed-grade flowers of sulphur from several brands – depending on the size of your stock and your preference:

• Dovita Vital Flowers of Sulphur 700 g – the great-value entry pack in a bag; for smaller stocks and for trying it out. Tip: once opened, transfer bagged goods into an airtight container.
• Dovita Vital Flowers of Sulphur 1300 g – the large pack with the best price per gram; for breeders, poultry keepers and multi-animal households feeding throughout the entire moult.
• BACKS Flowers of Sulphur 600 g – the branded alternative from the specialist pigeon sport range.

Frequently asked questions from practice

Can I feed flowers of sulphur all year round? The usual approach is a course during the moult, coat change and breeding preparation – i.e. whenever the demand for sulphur-containing amino acids is increased.

Doesn't it smell unpleasant? Pure flowers of sulphur are virtually odourless – unlike many sulphur-containing oils.

What should I look for when buying? Feed-grade quality, fine grinding and a clearly declared straight feeding stuff.

Note: Flowers of sulphur are a straight feeding stuff and not a medicinal product. Sick animals belong in the hands of a vet.