Chicken eating feathers? Molting? Nutrient Deficient?

[Ecsnyder]

I noticed that my Black Minorca has been bare chested for quite some time. It isn't red or bloody, just pink like skin would look. There also does seem to be some new growth. I first thought maybe she was having her first molt, but since then I have noticed another bare spot on her leg & then watched her pull feathers out & eat them. From what I can figure is maybe she is low on protein? She is still laying eggs & doesn't seem to be in pain. I have switched the flocks to an All Flock food with oyster shells on the side because of younger chickens that we have integrated. Any suggestions on what this could be would be great.
Thanks a bunch. I will try & send pictures tomorrow.

 

[micstrachan]

Yeah, she could be trying to get more protein. You could provide some protein treats like canned fish. She might also be plucking from boredom. Enhancing/enriching the run might help.

 

[danielle2003]

Try giving her some more protein. I give mine live mealworms, hard boiled/scrambled eggs, bacon bits....anything high in protein. Also, give her more things to do. There are a lot of boredom buster ideas for chickens on Pinterest (e.g. hang a head of cabbage for them to peck at, freeze a fruit and seed mixture into blocks for them to peck at- a great idea especially in summer, add a ''chicken swing'' etc.....).

 

[Ecsnyder]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will try the added protein. I had a swing in the coop, but no one used it. I will definitely try the hanging cabbage & the frozen treats sound easy enough.

 

[Ecsnyder]

Here are some pictures. She now has another bare spot on the other leg. U gave her some scrambled eggs this morning & tuna tonight. Will try and get a way to hang a cabbage for boredom. She is the only chicken that is having the issue.

 

[Ecsnyder]

She is still laying also.