Does ANYONE know what's happening?

[charsbird]

Are the birds sitting directly under the lamp? If they are too close, their feathers are being burned off. Too hot, feathers are getting brittle and break off.

 

[JadedPhoenix]

Quote: Where are you at? I'm in NC and have never needed to use a lamp in the coop of my adults and most that I know way up north almost never do either and I know they have far worse winters than I do. In fact, I've had them tell me that it is better, if at all possible, to not use the lamp since it prevents them from acclimating to the weather when they leave the coop. Makes sense, really.

 

[Sonya9]

Be very careful with the ceramic heaters as they will burn through your skin if you attempt to unscrew one of them. I find them to be very dangerous. Don

What? I am talking about ceramic heat bulbs, they fit in standard heat lamp sockets. They aren't any more dangerous than a red heat lamp bulb, benefit is they are designed for night time use and do not disrupt sleep patterns.

 

[Peytons Poultry]

Where are you at?  I'm in NC and have never needed to use a lamp in the coop of my adults and most that I know way up north almost never do either and I know they have far worse winters than I do.  In fact, I've had them tell me that it is better, if at all possible, to not use the lamp since it prevents them from acclimating to the weather when they leave the coop.  Makes sense, really.

I am in NC as well. My lamps are not close enough to the birds to do damage.

 

[JadedPhoenix]

NC doesn't really have cold enough winters for the most part to need lamps. The hens would likely be better off without one.

Anyway, once the roosts are seperated, hopefully the feather eating will decrease. Also, up their protien intake. Mealworms, bugs, scrambled eggs, as well as some brands of feed can help with that.