*Buff Orpington Thread!*

[silkiecuddles]

How old are they and do you have a rooster?  When my buffs were in their first year it was like their feathers were weak.  I had to put saddles on them until their first molt.  Their feathers are not likely going to grow back in two weeks and are less likely to start growing if they're broody.  You can up their protein with high protein snacks or add in a higher protein food for a while.  Make sure you keep oyster shell available as well.

Mites/lice can cause feather loss so you may want to just take a quick look.  If you don't see any bugs then I would attribute this to having weaker feathers at the moment and wait for them to molt fully.  Since mine had their first molt they have not had bare backs. (besides bare spots during the next molt)

they turned 1 in March. Only the two buffs have missing feathers. All my SS are great. We got rid of several roosters yesterday so hopefully that will help speed their recovery. One buff is still broody but she gets out everyday for a quick bite and dust bath

 

[BayBay Peepers]

When hens go broody they don't regrow feathers. They usually lose more. They'll drop their belly feathers to get better contact with the eggs. I would think at the end of this season they'll molt in time for winter and have tougher feathers. In the meantime you could put a saddle on to protect their backs.

 

[silkiecuddles]

When hens go broody they don't regrow feathers.  They usually lose more.  They'll drop their belly feathers to get better contact with the eggs. I would think at the end of this season they'll molt in time for winter and have tougher feathers.  In the meantime you could put a saddle on to protect their backs.  

Okay, thanks. Now to figure out where is the cheapest place to get a saddle...

 

[BayBay Peepers]

Cruise online. I found some at louises country closet for about 5 dollars. Otherwise you can find a free pattern and whip one up. I've got a few somewhere (never used yet) if you can't find any.

 

[silkiecuddles]

Cruise online.  I found some at louises country closet for about 5 dollars.  Otherwise you can find a free pattern and whip one up.  I've got a few somewhere (never used yet) if you can't find any.

Ok, thanks. I found something called Chicken Armor. It said no elastic and no sewing, so how's it supposed to stay on? Has anyone used it? They were really cheap

 

[Peanutsmomma]

When hens go broody they don't regrow feathers. They usually lose more. They'll drop their belly feathers to get better contact with the eggs. I would think at the end of this season they'll molt in time for winter and have tougher feathers. In the meantime you could put a saddle on to protect their backs.

It is good to know that they drop their belly feathers when they go broody. I have one that is doing that now and their is no sign of mites or other parasites so I was wondering what was going on. Gosh, I hope she is going broody.

 

[BayBay Peepers]

Could you post a link?

 

[silkiecuddles]

http://www.chickenarmor.com

 

[BayBay Peepers]

I would guess the holes would have to be at least a little stretchy to go around the wings. That's how it will stay. You gently grab the wing at the top, put the hole around it and pull the feathers through. I will be honest...I watched videos on youtube and it took me a few tries before I got the hang of it.

 

[Johnn]

Daisy and Bella