Can someone please give me information

[Brandi808]

Hi im completely new to rasing chicken. My chicks made 4 weeks old today. About 2 days ago i noticed a lot of feathers missing from my chick. I have 9 of them and all but 2 are missing frathers. All missing under the neck and thier chest. And very little on thier back. If anyome can tell me what it looks like or if there is anything i can do to help it please let me know thank you very much!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Juveniles do go through odd molts, but that does look a bit excessive.

I'm seeing some feather picking scabs on several of them too.

Have you examined them closely looking for crawling bugs like mites or lice?

You may need to do a really good dusting with poultry dust or spray with permethrin spray.

You should clean the coop fully and also spray that.

I'll link an article below which shows what to look out for.

LofMc

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/08/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification.html

 

[junebuggena]

Looks like you might have a feather picking problem. What are you feeding? Could also be a space issue. At 4 weeks old, they need about 2 sq ft of space per chick. They are starting to establish their pecking order and that requires room. Also, chick feet and wire do not mix. It's not comfortable for them to stand on and it's putting them at risk for bumblefoot or broken feet and legs.

 

[coach723]

Just wanted to add and ask....are you feeding a good starter/grower feed? What it is labeled may depend on where you are. The picture looks like there is an awful lot of corn in there. Chicks need the higher protein in the starter grower feed to grow properly, and to make feathers. Corn is carbs, not protein. They should be on an 18 -20% protein feed.

 

[TinyBirds]

I agree. More space and switch to flock raiser crumbles or similar for the higher protein. A covered pen on the grass during daytime would reduce boredom and get them pecking at the ground instead of each other. They will dust bathe on the ground too which reduces bug problems.

 

[Brandi808]

Thank you so

Juveniles do go through odd molts, but that does look a bit excessive.

I'm seeing some feather picking scabs on several of them too.

Have you examined them closely looking for crawling bugs like mites or lice?

You may need to do a really good dusting with poultry dust or spray with permethrin spray.

You should clean the coop fully and also spray that.

I'll link an article below which shows what to look out for.

LofMc

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/08/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification.html

Thank you so much for your help. I was reading up on it today and i will definetly do a good dust/spraying. Also will be working in a bigger coop this weekend i hope it helps.

 

[Brandi808]

Looks like you might have a feather picking problem. What are you feeding? Could also be a space issue. At 4 weeks old, they need about 2 sq ft of space per chick. They are starting to establish their pecking order and that requires room. Also, chick feet and wire do not mix. It's not comfortable for them to stand on and it's putting them at risk for bumblefoot or broken feet and legs.

I think space is definetly becoming an issue. We just moved them outside a week ago because the smell was getting a bit to much in the house. We will be making a bigger pallet coop this weekend. I didn't know that about the wire either. I was just think it would be easier for cleaning. Would i be able to lay grass over it for more comfort. Or a wooden flor would be best?

 

[Brandi808]

Just wanted to add and ask....are you feeding a good starter/grower feed? What it is labeled may depend on where you are. The picture looks like there is an awful lot of corn in there. Chicks need the higher protein in the starter grower feed to grow properly, and to make feathers. Corn is carbs, not protein. They should be on an 18 -20% protein feed.[/QUOTE
I'm actually not to sure what the content is the feed stire Ashley has them in pre packed bags. But they are eating the medicated starter mixed with organic grower feed.

 

[Brandi808]

I agree. More space and switch to flock raiser crumbles or similar for the higher protein. A covered pen on the grass during daytime would reduce boredom and get them pecking at the ground instead of each other. They will dust bathe on the ground too which reduces bug problems.

Yes that is going to be our weekend project the the coop! And i will definetly switch thier food!

 

[junebuggena]

Grass will just fall through the wire. Cut a piece of cardboard or wood to cover it and add a layer of shavings. It will give them room to run around and get away from each other. And definitely ditch that corn. Chick starter or flock raiser only till they are all feathered in. Treats and extras should never be more than 10% of their total diet.