I have been so discouraged with my flock lately. They were all hatched last year, March 2nd. Mixed flock of RSLs, EEs, Speckled Sussexes, Marans, Brahmas. They started feather picking late in the summer and it has gotten progressively worse over the winter. I have tried: increasing their protein (because they EAT the feathers), providing "toys" to prevent boredom, dusted for mites (twice) and just plain punished them when they pick at each other. Not one lady in the flock is without a bare spot. Most have no feathers at all on their backs near their tails. Some have no tails at all or just one or two feathers left. I have had three picked to the point of having open wounds and I separated them immediately to heal. It is not uncommon to have at least one chicken bleeding each day (usually minor from someone getting to the base of a feather). I am using BluKote on their exposed skin and to hide the blood. I feel like such a failure at chicken husbandry! But I have no idea how to break this vicious cycle they seem to be in. My SSs seemed to be the ones to start the picking, but now they ALL do it.
Maybe it's the weather? We are expecting 6 inches of snow AGAIN here in MN tonight. Maybe they have cabin fever as bad as I do? They all act normal. Lay very well. Very curious and roam all over the place in their run. All bright eyed and excited to see us.
I would post pictures of them, but honestly, it is just embarrassing so I won't. Any advice? Words of wisdom? Where did I go wrong?
Maybe it's the weather? We are expecting 6 inches of snow AGAIN here in MN tonight. Maybe they have cabin fever as bad as I do? They all act normal. Lay very well. Very curious and roam all over the place in their run. All bright eyed and excited to see us.
I would post pictures of them, but honestly, it is just embarrassing so I won't. Any advice? Words of wisdom? Where did I go wrong?