Feather growth after molt, porcupine tail

[Cleopatra Opal]

I have a 7yo hen who started showing signs of feather growth issues last year after her molt. This year, it’s much worse. The sheaths on her tail feathers are 4 to 5 inches long (and has similar concerns and other feathers) as they grow back in after this year‘s molt. I know this stage of feather growth is painful, and I’m not sure what to do to help her. She’s eating (with extra protein) and drinking, but is not social because of the discomfort. The sheaths are not shedding and are very hard. I don’t think she’s able to break them down on her own with normal preening and I’m wondering if this is a condition or a sign of other issue? Any info or advice would be appreciated, thank you!

 

[tlcmurphy]

I have a 7yo hen who started showing signs of feather growth issues last year after her molt. This year, it’s much worse. The sheaths on her tail feathers are 4 to 5 inches long (and has similar concerns and other feathers) as they grow back in after this year‘s molt. I know this stage of feather growth is painful, and I’m not sure what to do to help her. She’s eating (with extra protein) and drinking, but is not social because of the discomfort. The sheaths are not shedding and are very hard. I don’t think she’s able to break them down on her own with normal preening and I’m wondering if this is a condition or a sign of other issue? Any info or advice would be appreciated, thank you!

I have no suggestions, but @Holly67 just posted the same issue with her elderly girl.

 

[I Miss u Loaf]

this kind of looks like a really bad case of pinfeathers. The keratin casing might fall off gradually.

 

[AinaWGSD]

this kind of looks like a really bad case of pinfeathers. The keratin casing might fall off gradually.

I agree. You can see lighter bands where the white bars are so I don't think these are blood feathers. If it were my hen I would gently squeeze the feathers starting at the tip and see if you can get the keratin sheath to come off.

 

[Cleopatra Opal]

Thank you for the replies! I’m hoping I can coax her with some treats to hang out with me long enough to try to gently squeeze the feathers to see if they’ll break down. I was afraid of hurting her, but I think she’s gonna need some help!