"Crevecoeur" Remorse

[chickmamato7]

I have 3 "Crevecoeur" hens from Murray McMurray (1 year old) that have been nothing but trouble since they started to lay. They used to be cute and spunky, but all three have been bald & ugly from about 6 months old. As soon as their feathers start to grow back, they get plucked bald again. Since they have always been picked on, they pick on my younger Polish in return. They are also skittish & don't like to be handled, so not much fun to own as pets. Two were on-again-off-again broody all summer long, which is not a trait true Crevs known for. One has recently developed some white leakage, so I'm guessing these are not true Crevecoeurs. I'm feeling fed up with these ugly mutts and ready to re-home, but who would want to take on 3 bald-headed, skittish bully fake Crevs? The only positive trait they have is that they do lay consistently. Any ideas?

 

[Poultrybonkers]

Plucking is a sign of lack of protein

 

[chickmamato7]

They get plenty of protein-- I feed them 18 % grower crumble and 18% feather fixer pellets. They also get a daily snack of meal worms before bed (about a teaspoon each) and occasional treat of scrambled eggs, worms or grasshoppers from the garden.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Just because a bird is broody in a nonbroody breed doesn't mean they're not that breed.

 

[Mrs. K]

You know what - these birds are not doing it for you. I would emphasize the regular laying, and let them go.

If the feather picking is because you have a smaller set up, some people have had very good luck with pin-less peepers. Google them. Might solve all your problems.

If I don't like a bird, for what ever reason, I don't keep them. My flock needs to make me happy.

Mrs K

 

[chickmamato7]

It's def not my set up. They live in a palace and the coop and run are spacious and full of stimulating "clutter" like ladders, tree branches, mirrors...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T1cSDq8Xg5tsCfhwwMBMZpBTSiBMZhzI/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1deCKg9FmJvO6gTKB37i65S48yap5pNBm/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AEOECPXoQ2Ybz7MobdzobWDYixKZy97Z/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dvnwqrdAPX2TALlLuCf6cyp_d5Lt3svk/view?usp=sharing

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Prison. Three jail cells for three Crevecoeurs. I did this: Penny's in Jail for one of my feather pluckers, and it worked for her.


Just- I have five other hens... That I think are doing the same. I don't have enough coop for five different jail cells. The thigh and fluffy bum bum feathers are so rare to come by these days! They won't stop the plucking!

This is everything I've done so far:

1. Feeding them the highest protein level grain I could find at my local feed store as directed by BYC.
2. Come spring, provided them with a very large run.
3. Jail. (I did that with one, and it worked, but I don't have enough time to jail all separately.)

Providing them with lots of entertainment helps too. Currently, I have several branches covered in leaves and pine branches in their run sitted up as stick forts, not to mention the fall leaves falling in. I'm seeing some fluffy bum bum feathers growing on one of the bald rear end molters, so I think that's helping.

The top thing: This has become a habit, and is a form of cannibalism. It needs to be stopped. But just like you are, I'm still trying to figure that out. Pinless Peepers might be the only option, but I'm trying to avoid those for now. The entertainment works, and jail for at least 30 days helps break the habit.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

It's def not my set up. They live in a palace and the coop and run are spacious and full of stimulating "clutter" like ladders, tree branches, mirrors...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T1cSDq8Xg5tsCfhwwMBMZpBTSiBMZhzI/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1deCKg9FmJvO6gTKB37i65S48yap5pNBm/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AEOECPXoQ2Ybz7MobdzobWDYixKZy97Z/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dvnwqrdAPX2TALlLuCf6cyp_d5Lt3svk/view?usp=sharing

I was only able to see the first photo but your coop is gorgeous!

 

[chickmamato7]

You know what - these birds are not doing it for you. I would emphasize the regular laying, and let them go.

If the feather picking is because you have a smaller set up, some people have had very good luck with pin-less peepers. Google them. Might solve all your problems.

If I don't like a bird, for what ever reason, I don't keep them. My flock needs to make me happy.

Mrs K

I think you're right. I'm feeling guilty and vane admitting that they just don't bring me joy anymore because they aren't very cute or friendly. I have 3 adorable Polish and 3 Blue Silkie pullets that love to be handled and are a joy to care for because they are so cute and friendly. I also have a stunning Lavender Isabelle Laced English Orpington that is a beauty queen and although she doesn't like to be held, she will often lay at my feet to be pet. Now that I have experienced more friendly breeds, I know what I want in my flock and I'm ready to purge my 1st batch of behavior problems and add more ornamental, family friendly breeds.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

I think you're right. I'm feeling guilty and vane admitting that they just don't bring me joy anymore because they aren't very cute or friendly. I have 3 adorable Polish and 3 Blue Silkie pullets that love to be handled and are a joy to care for because they are so cute and friendly. I also have a stunning Lavender Isabelle Laced English Orpington that is a beauty queen and although she doesn't like to be held, she will often lay at my feet to be pet. Now that I have experienced more friendly breeds, I know what I want in my flock and I'm ready to purge my 1st batch of behavior problems and add more ornamental, family friendly breeds.

Are all these in the same flock, or separate? Just wondering...