Broody Hen’s feathers not growing back

[MTchkngal]

I have been struggling with my one chicken, maybe someone could help? My Australorp (Tamesine) was VERY broody through the summer and it seems as though her breast/belly feathers still have not grown back. Her skin looks fine, no redness, swelling, or signs of infection. But...the feathers still aren’t growing back and I don’t see any signs of new ones coming in! And, as winter approaches in Montana it gets cold, I am a little worried these feathers won’t grow back. Any thoughts on what I could do to help her?!

Thanks so much!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Is she still broody?

Higher protein - especially animal protein can help feather production.

 

[MTchkngal]

Is she still broody?

Higher protein - especially animal protein can help feather production.

Hi ChickenCanoe,
Thanks for the response! No, she is not broody at this time (thankfully!) but seemed to spend the entire summer being broody despite my best efforts. I only have three chickens, no rooster, so there will never be chicks. I did start feeding higher protein (a “feather fixer” feed) into their feed this last week, hoping that will make a difference. But, she’s absolutely bare with no signs of regrowth yet. I will give the higher protein feed some time, hopefully it helps. Any other thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Feather fixer is a good choice. It will take a bit for it to take effect. This is the time of year for molt. Is she or has she gone through molt?
You won't get regrowth till molt.

 

[MTchkngal]

Okay, great! I was a little leary about what to use but settled on that. Thanks! Yeah, she has yet to go through molt. I will wait it out and see what happens until she molts. Thanks so much!