Advice for feather regrowth

[ChickenMom07]

Hello!
Just wondering what I should do for my girls? Is there anything I can put in their feed to help feathers grow back in? I have those saddle things(I have them in the washer) and they help a little but their wings are still exposed. TIA

 

[Lemon-Drop]

What's your rooster to hen ratio?

 

[ChickenMom07]

What's your rooster to hen ratio?

I have one roo and four hens

 

[Lemon-Drop]

I have one roo and four hens

That might be one of the reasons for your problem. Depending on breed, 6-12 hens/rooster is recommended.

Is there a chance you could acquire a few more hens?
What is the size of their coop/enclosure?

Here are a couple of things that may help.

• The protein percentage in the feed can also be a contributor. What feed do you give? If it's on the lower side, I would add some more protein/change to a different feed.
• Trimming the roosters toenails may help reduce damage
• Adding more hens if possible
• Using a saddle like this that protects the wings

 

[ChickenMom07]

That might be one of the reasons for your problem. Depending on breed, 6-12 hens/rooster is recommended.

Is there a chance you could acquire a few more hens?
What is the size of their coop/enclosure?

Here are a couple of things that may help.

• The protein percentage in the feed can also be a contributor. What feed do you give? If it's on the lower side, I would add some more protein/change to a different feed.
• Trimming the roosters toenails may help reduce damage
• Adding more hens if possible
• Using a saddle like this that protects the wings

I did have more hens but my aunt wanted a couple so I gave them to her, she has recently said she may give them back since she just had surgery and can’t take care of them but that will only add 2 more hens. And their coop is like 10 by 10. We are planning to fix up old dog lot and turn it into a coop and run this summer. And I usually like the dumore(spelling??)layer feed.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

I did have more hens but my aunt wanted a couple so I gave them to her, she has recently said she may give them back since she just had surgery and can’t take care of them but that will only add 2 more hens. And their coop is like 10 by 10. We are planning to fix up old dog lot and turn it into a coop and run this summer. And I usually like the dumore(spelling??)layer feed.

I would see if you can get a couple more of the chickens back.

Is this the feed? https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/tractor-supply-dumor-16-layer-pellet-50-lb-3006319-206
Its on the lower end of protein content-I usually like 18-20% protein.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hello!
Just wondering what I should do for my girls? Is there anything I can put in their feed to help feathers grow back in? I have those saddle things(I have them in the washer) and they help a little but their wings are still exposed. TIA

See the broken and rubbed feathers?
See the intact feather follicles still intact in the skin?
See the ragged feathers on the back?
These feathers will not be replaced until the hen molts. Likely in the fall depending on how old she is. You can increase protein, increase the amount of hens to rooster ratio, you can separate her out, you can remove the rooster, but none of these things will make those feathers regrow until she molts.
That's just the way it is.

Saddles with shoulder protectors may help protect the skin a bit.