Chest and neck feather picking

[ChickenRoo]

Can anyone tell me some reasons why chickens pick there own feathers out of their neck and chest? I have a 2 year old red sex link that has been doing this for the last 6 month. Recently she even had new feathers coming in but picked them out too. She is not broody and never has been. I don’t see any feathers in the nesting boxes. She has no feathers missing from her back or tail so I don’t think she is being picked on. My flock is down to 3 and they have a large run. Also they are let out for a few hours each day to free range my yard. They are feed good quality layer crumbles, oyster shells, as well as fruit and vegetables scraps. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Probably from a lack of protein based on their diet and breed. Sex links need more protein. Switch to something higher in protein than a layer. I recommend 20-22%. Some options are non medicated starter, or growers, and all flock rations.

Keep a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs. They don't need a layer ration. Most backyard flocks do better on a higher protein ration due to the extras they receive.

Edited to add be sure to check it over good for external parasites as well to rule them out.

 

[rosemarysugar]

May be that your hen has a sickness and they can sence it. Put some PICK O MORE cover up lotion. very soon.
Be carefull it does tend to stain fingers so where some disposible gloves.

 

[ChickenRoo]

Probably from a lack of protein based on their diet and breed. Sex links need more protein. Switch to something higher in protein than a layer. I recommend 20-22%. Some options are non medicated starter, or growers, and all flock rations.

Keep a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs. They don't need a layer ration. Most backyard flocks do better on a higher protein ration due to the extras they receive.

Edited to add be sure to check it over good for external parasites as well to rule them out.

Thank you this is very helpful! I have some starter since I have chicks too so I will add some to their food. Do you think I should mix it with the layer crumbles or just switch them entirely to grower or starter? They have a dish of oysters shells. I have thoroughly checked for parasites and see none. One one of my ther chickens wings looked a bit tattered on one side. Could that be a protein issue also? She is a Rhode Island Red. Then my other Rhode Island life oks perfect?

 

[ChickenRoo]

May be that your hen has a sickness and they can sence it. Put some PICK O MORE cover up lotion. very soon.
Be carefull it does tend to stain fingers so where some disposible gloves.

Thank you I will get some ASAP!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

View attachment 1356710 View attachment 1356710
Thank you this is very helpful! I have some starter since I have chicks too so I will add some to their food. Do you think I should mix it with the layer crumbles or just switch them entirely to grower or starter? They have a dish of oysters shells. I have thoroughly checked for parasites and see none. One one of my ther chickens wings looked a bit tattered on one side. Could that be a protein issue also? She is a Rhode Island Red. Then my other Rhode Island life oks perfect?

Do you have a rooster? You can switch right away, though mixing the 2 feeds will work as well to use up your layer.

 

[ChickenRoo]

Do you have a rooster? You can switch right away, though mixing the 2 feeds will work as well to use up your layer.

No I do not have a rooster. Ok I will mix until I use the layer up then put chase the other.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You can also try some higher protein treats to jump start them. Stuff like cottage cheese and canned fish. Scrambled eggs are full of good stuff too needed to grow feathers.

 

[ChickenRoo]

Great advise I will do that.