Feather grow back

[Petermariah]

How long does it take to grow back feathers? I have three hens with bald backs and butts after one of their sisters started eating feathers. I believe I’ve solved the problem by increasing the protein to a flock feed and keeping a bowl of oyster shell out for calcium and I have also banned all “junk food” so they get plenty of the feed they are meant to have. The only treats they do get now are straight up protein like mealworms and occasionally left over salmon or fish. I haven’t seen the offender, Brownie, plucking feathers for at least a month but my girls are still very bald. No new growth at all. I had saddles on them for about 4 weeks and I took the saddles off about 2 weeks ago. Can the saddles prevent growth?

 

[PioneerChicks]

I recommend reading this article: What Happens When Chickens Molt?

Have a great day!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

How long does it take to grow back feathers? I have three hens with bald backs and butts after one of their sisters started eating feathers. I believe I’ve solved the problem by increasing the protein to a flock feed and keeping a bowl of oyster shell out for calcium and I have also banned all “junk food” so they get plenty of the feed they are meant to have. The only treats they do get now are straight up protein like mealworms and occasionally left over salmon or fish. I haven’t seen the offender, Brownie, plucking feathers for at least a month but my girls are still very bald. No new growth at all. I had saddles on them for about 4 weeks and I took the saddles off about 2 weeks ago. Can the saddles prevent growth?

Please post some photos.
How old are they?

If feathers were broken and the shaft is still intact, then those will not be replaced until the birds molt.
I had birds wearing saddles when they molted and their feathers grew in just fine.