can't figure out why feathers aren't growing back

[limpy]

I have about 20 chickens that are just a year old. We had a few roosters and noticed some missing feathers on the hens. We butchered the roosters and some of the hens started picking. They get high quality feed are outside during the day and safe inside at night. I haven't seen them picking in months yet none of the feathers are growing back. I have sprayed the hen house and nests with poultry protector in case of bugs but haven't seen any of those either. They are laying well and seem to be healthy they just look really sad. The pen and nests are cleaned frequently. Any ideas? I have searched the internet with no luck. I am hoping someone may have an answer.

Thanks

chickens in montana

 

[threehorses]

It's because the picked feathers were broken off outside of the feather follicle, not pulled completely out.

If they were pulled completely out, they grow back immediately. Otherwise you wait til they naturally molt (forced molts are harsh on their systems) and they should replace all those feathers for you.

Continue their good feed, etc. Give them something else to pick at (just make sure you give them granite grit). Treats and whatnot can comprise less than 10% of their diet, but could include things like a head of kale thrown in or hung up so that they bother with it, etc. some people will hang bits of shiny chain if their birds are picking from boredom.

If it makes you feel better, poor feathering in the older books is listed as a sign of a GOOD hen. It means that she's busy laying eggs, too busy to bother with replacing feathers all the time.

 

[CityChook]

from MN -

Threehorses - thank you for the info. I was wondering the same thing.... my girls have been bare for months regardless of what I do to help them. Very frustrating.

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
If it's any consolation, the old books always refer to a poorly feathered hen (with some other characteristics being also required) as being a better hen because hens that put off molt lay more eggs.

So hug those chickens! /wink

 

[CityChook]

hee hee - I saw you make this comment on another thread. Grin. Hey, whatever it takes, right? Thanks so much threehorses!

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
Whatever it takes!

/hugs