Confusing Medication-

[Nanook33]

I have 1 hen that lost her back feathers to some over-active roosters over a year ago. They started to regrow but now the other hens keep pecking at her & she has lost most of her back feathers again. (Poor girl-she even made it through a very cold winter!) I went to Tractor Supply & bought a medication called, ""No Picken"" ("peckin"?) I read it contains tea tree oil. Then I read that tea tree oil is NOT good for chickens. Now I'm confused.........why would they make such a product if it's harmful to chickens? IS it safe? Does it contain such a small amount that it's not harmful? Is a small amount harmful? Many questions I know but it's not worth losing a good egg layer over $18. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks & have a great Easter!!!!!

 

[CabritaChicks]

Can you take a photo of the bottle?

 

[Eggcessive]

It looks like Durvet makes No Pecken, and it has some tea tree oil, but is mostly hydrogel wound spray, similar to Vetericyn. I think using pure tea tree oil can be dangerous, but this one probably is okay. I have used BluKote spray to hide red skin on hens with missing feathers with success. Vicks salve, Nustock Cream, pine tar, or other bad tasting ointments may work as well for you, but you may have to experiment with what works for you. Keep in mind that feather picking can be due to not feeding enough protein in the diet or giving too many treats that dilute the good balance of a chicken feed, overcrowding inside the coop, and boredom from not getting outside to free range can be causes for feather picking.

 

[CabritaChicks]

I should note: I have never been to a 'Tractor Supply', so I have no idea what they carry.

The FDA does not regulate pet or livestock products with the same level of scrutiny as those intended for human use. This creates a gray area where certain ingredients, which would otherwise be restricted or closely monitored, are freely included in animal products.

Tea Tree oil is on my Sch**t list. Widely publicized, anecdotal but mostly harmful- like coconut oil. Blah! While some may argue that the concentration in such products is extremely low, my own research experience involving tea tree oil has shown that even diluted formulations can have adverse effects on birds as after all- it is OIL.

It’s important to emphasize that, in general, oils—especially essential oils—are not recommended for any birds- they can muddy the feathers and cause respiratory distress. Their respiratory systems are highly sensitive (air sacs), and ingestion or inhalation of volatile compounds like those found in tea tree oil can cause toxicity, irritation, or other health issues.

If I might make a suggestion? did you try a dry bath in fresh herbs? Check for mites? how are the droppings?

 

[Nanook33]

I should note: I have never been to a 'Tractor Supply', so I have no idea what they carry.

The FDA does not regulate pet or livestock products with the same level of scrutiny as those intended for human use. This creates a gray area where certain ingredients, which would otherwise be restricted or closely monitored, are freely included in animal products.

Tea Tree oil is on my Sch**t list. Widely publicized, anecdotal but mostly harmful- like coconut oil. Blah! While some may argue that the concentration in such products is extremely low, my own research experience involving tea tree oil has shown that even diluted formulations can have adverse effects on birds as after all- it is OIL.

It’s important to emphasize that, in general, oils—especially essential oils—are not recommended for any birds- they can muddy the feathers and cause respiratory distress. Their respiratory systems are highly sensitive (air sacs), and ingestion or inhalation of volatile compounds like those found in tea tree oil can cause toxicity, irritation, or other health issues.

If I might make a suggestion? did you try a dry bath in fresh herbs? Check for mites? how are the droppings?

I agree with you on the tea tree oil & I can't understand why they would make such a thing for chickens. No mites. Droppings OK. I will try the herb bath. Thanks.

 

[Nanook33]

It looks like Durvet makes No Pecken, and it has some tea tree oil, but is mostly hydrogel wound spray, similar to Vetericyn. I think using pure tea tree oil can be dangerous, but this one probably is okay. I have used BluKote spray to hide red skin on hens with missing feathers with success. Vicks salve, Nustock Cream, pine tar, or other bad tasting ointments may work as well for you, but you may have to experiment with what works for you. Keep in mind that feather picking can be due to not feeding enough protein in the diet or giving too many treats that dilute the good balance of a chicken feed, overcrowding inside the coop, and boredom from not getting outside to free range can be causes for feather picking.

I will get BlueKote & try that along with an herb bath. Thank you.