Bare Backed Hen blues

[dsqard]

If it is feather picking you might want to put them on a higher protien feed like game bird feed and offer oyster shell free choice. Sometimes feather picking is caused by boredom as well. So far it seems like the flock block I put in my coop is helping but I think I am going to get some hen saddles because the ladies are still bare backed (well some of them) and it could be from my roo. Letting them free range is also good to break up the boredom if that is possible. Some people will hang a head of cabbage to let them peck at to keep them occupied.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I trimmed the spurs and claws (blunted the end so they were not sharp, not removed) to reduce the damage while the rooster grew up. It was a fairly young rooster so the spurs were not much. I think the claws were the real problem. This kept the problem from getting worse while he grew up and refined his technique.

 

[KC n KY]

Just went and checked on the chickies. I detected no mites, and it does sound like feather picking is the likely culprit. I spread some vaseline on all of the affected birds, to stop the pecking. They always have oyster shells available, but I could put them on a game bird feed if that was neccasary. Thank u all for the feedback. Every past flock Ive had has had this problem. Adding ACV in their water helped once, and another time petro jelly helped.

ridgerunner-I just read your post. Though I dont think this is my problem now, it may be in the future. What tool do u use to trim spurs and claws? thanx

 

[Ridgerunner]

Many different people use differnt things. I use a dremel tool and don't go very deep. Wrap the rooster in a towel to keep it calm. Actually very easy.

 

[TLeo13]

I have the same problem. I have 1 roo(matng with them the other is to young) and 9 hens all had bare bakes until i got some of those veat you put on the hens back he are all fine now

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quote:
My chickens won't eat BOSS, but you could change their feed to increase their protein. How big is their coop and run? That could make them pick each others feathers as well. My dad had RIR and they were bad for feather picking until we finally turned them out to free range. Then they had more interesting things to pick at.

ETA: Gamebird feed would be too high, most of it is 24-28% protein. You'd burn up their livers if you feed that to them.

 

[True Grit]

You could also get some Rooster Booster Pick No More solution but 11 hens is a lot to treat with it. You have to keep reapplying it. It turns the feathers purple but apparently it tastes bad so deters the pickers.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quote:
Pine tar works too.

 

[KC n KY]

Quote:
My chickens won't eat BOSS, but you could change their feed to increase their protein. How big is their coop and run? That could make them pick each others feathers as well. My dad had RIR and they were bad for feather picking until we finally turned them out to free range. Then they had more interesting things to pick at.

ETA: Gamebird feed would be too high, most of it is 24-28% protein. You'd burn up their livers if you feed that to them.

There in 426 sq/ft of run and coop.That is over 26 sq/ft per bird. I may add something to keep them more entertained. Any(cost effective)suggestions?
By the way- petroleum jelly( aka Vaseline) does the same thing as blu kote, and pick no more solution, and pine tar.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quote:
My chickens won't eat BOSS, but you could change their feed to increase their protein. How big is their coop and run? That could make them pick each others feathers as well. My dad had RIR and they were bad for feather picking until we finally turned them out to free range. Then they had more interesting things to pick at.

ETA: Gamebird feed would be too high, most of it is 24-28% protein. You'd burn up their livers if you feed that to them.

There in 426 sq/ft of run and coop.That is over 26 sq/ft per bird. I may add something to keep them more entertained. Any(cost effective)suggestions?
By the way- petroleum jelly( aka Vaseline) does the same thing as blu kote, and pick no more solution, and pine tar.

Maybe toss some hay in their run for them to scratch at? Sounds like they have plenty of space.