How to stop feathers from breaking?

sumi said:

Welcome to BYC

Depending on what the problem/cause is a Feather Fixer (link) feed may help, also a little Apple Cider Vinegar in their drink water for a few days now and then (I use a ratio of 4-5 tablespoons to a gallon water) will help improve feather quality. If it's just molting they may benefit from a little extra protein in their diet. Give them treats such as cooked eggs, mealworms (they will love you forever

), meat scraps etc. Here is a good thread on molting:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/580915/for-the-new-folks-that-havent-experienced-a-molt-yet/0_30

The damage may also be due to mites/lice. Examine them thoroughly, under their wings, around their vents, etc for signs of freeloaders. A good dusting with poultry dust such as Permethrin or Sevin dust will take care of that problem quickly.

If the problem is due to pecking the reason could be that the flock is overcrowded or bored, or just being bullies. If they pull and eat each others' feathers they need more protein in their diet. A flock block (link) will help amuse them, or a cabbage hung in the run. Also make sure you have plenty space for them to run around in (ideally 10 sf ft per chicken in the run and 4 sq ft in the coop). If they are bullying and pecking each other in spite of that, you should maybe look into getting the culprits some Pinless Peeper/Poultry Blinders (link).

I think that covered all the possibilities? lol Good luck with them!

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