Battered hen - Do I have to pluck her feathers?

[mariejb21]

Hello!

I inherited a RIR hen that is very badly battered and I need to know what is the best way to help her.... Here's the picture of what she looks like:

Bertha is just over a year old... even though she is in such hideous condition, she faithfully lays every day and is very cheerful and at the top of the pecking order! I believe her damage is from a roo. Fellow hens don't dare peck on her! I tried an apron, but every time I put it on her she shook it off! it would end up sideways and then she was even afraid to move!!

So, I have increased her protein intake. Does she need Black Oil Sunflower Seeds? I give her pork sometimes and dog treats high in protein. But my question is: do I need to pluck her feathers before they grow back? she has been this way for a while. The back pinfeathers are starting to grow back, it's the wings that are not changing for anything. If I do need to remove the feathers, is there an easy and painless method? Should I put something wet/warm on the area to loosen them?

I would be grateful for any input! I really need to help her out...

Thanks!

~Marie
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[nurse_turtle]

I wouldn't pluck those bad feathers. I would probably get a saddle for her back. With her next good molt those bad feathers will be replaced with new shiny ones. It's gonna take some time but she's gonna shine!

 

[CariLynn]

I have a hen like that and all summer she has looks rather ratty and naked looking, gave her high protein feeds and scratch too. Thankfully, now that summer in VA is being shoved out of the way by fall, our hen, Lacy's feathers are starting to come back now and I am very thankful. We too tried a very pretty apron on her, but she would crouch and walk...

 

[mariejb21]

Okay, thanks!! I will wait it out... I feel bad for her, though!

 

[burbankchix]

I don't know what's up with RIR's, but we are fairly new chicken owners (14 in the flock) and 2 are RIR's. They are both very shy, but very big. They are the last ones out of the coop into the run and always hang out by themselves, not even with each other! Yesterday I noticed one of them was pecked on her backside right above her tail in an area the size a little bigger than a silver dollar. This is brand new wound. I took the advise on the forum and put neosporin on the area and then smeared Vicks VapOrub on her wings, back and tail. I hope this works. Is getting beat up a trait of RIR's?