1st-feather picking, then Blu-Kote, plus a head of cabbage, now what?

[msgenie516]

Hi,

I am still working on the feather-picking problem I have in a coop that contains 6 chickens (all hens). I had Wound-Kote on hand but it is in a spray form and I had second thoughts about it as it has been windy here. I ordered the Blu-Kote liquid with the dauber attached to the cap. I found this very easy (and neat) to apply but now it seems that even though the chickens aren't bothering the treated areas, they are picking feathers from new spots.

I figured a distraction was in order, so I strung up a head of cabbage (even started it for them--pulled a few pieces so they are hanging down--so it looks more interesting) from the ceiling of the coop. Well, I did see two of them peck at it a bit but they appeared more afraid of it than anything else. When I came back to check on them once more, they were all at the other end of the coop (as if to try to stay away from it).

I will check again tomorrow to see if they have adjusted to the situation but if not, does anyone have any other suggestions as to what I can try? Thanks a lot!

Genie

 

[teach1rusl]

More roosts for more spots to escape to? A small mirror or two for distraction??? More protein in thier diet? Are they able to get outside of the coop any??? If you have snow, can you shovel a small area and put down straw for them? Mine were afraid of the cabbage head at first, but now they love to peck at it...I hung mine in the run instead of the coop to lure them outside.

 

[Southernbelle]

Have you considered getting a rooster? I find that a good rooster does a lot to keep the peace in a coop - he doesn't allow them to fight among themselves. One of my friends lost her rooster to a dog attack and was left with 7 hens and she kept complaining about the hens "molting" all year round. When I saw them, I could tell immediately that it was feather picking. I gave her one of my spare roos and there was no more feather picking. I know adding a rooster is a drastic change, but it's a thought.

 

[msgenie516]

Hi,

Iteach1rusl, l haven't let them outside so that may help. I feed them 21% protein egg producer feed, so I don't think that is a problem. I will look into working a bit on the run tomorrow. We have had an awful lot of snow here and it is a mess!

Southernbelle, unfortunately, I'm not allowed to have a rooster where I live. Houses are close together and the whole neighborhood would know about it (and complain, I'm sure--no sense of humor

)

Thank you both for your suggestions!

Genie

 

[purpletree23]

Are they eating the feathers they pick? If they are then you have a protein deficiency. Give them scrambled eggs, cottage cheese (not too much ....causes diarrhea) bits of left over chicken or beef also work.

They will get used to the cabbage and will enjoy eating it.

Are they picking at their own feathers? If they are doing that then you could have a mite or lice problem.

Do they have 4 square feet per bird inside?

I agree with teach1rusl....let them outside. If there is too much snow put down some hay.

How warm is their coop? Too warm (probably not this time of year) will make them peck also.

Good luck....you'll eventually figure it out.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

Toss an apple or two in there. If crickets do not bother you, and you can get to a pet store - get them some crickets to chase.


Stomp/smash down the snow in an area and throw out some sand and scratch. Bring a bowl full of snow into the coop - sprinkle some scratch in it.


If you have a kitty litter pan, or that size box, put 2 to 3 inches of sand in it for the girls to dust themselves.


Hopefully melting will start soon

 

[msgenie516]

Quote:
To anwer your questions, they don't seem to eat the feathers as I'm finding them all over the place. I've seen them picking at each other, but never themselves. It's not a huge coop but there are only 6 birds in there with plenty of room. And their coop is DEFINATELY not too warm! I will try letting them out but first I have to see what shape the run is in, as we have had A LOT of snow! I do have a good supply of hay in the garage, which will be helpful. Thanks!