- Apr 9, 2007
- 5
- 0
- 7
I need some help on a feather loss issue we're having. We have a small flock of 16 mixed variety hens, one rooster, outdoor run, deep litter method in the coop, and live in NC. Our birds are nearing one year old and have been experiencing feather loss mostly on their backs starting last November. It has gotten worse and affects about 8-10 of our girls. Here's what I've researched and tried:
We thought it might be "Rooster Rash" so we removed the Roo to a chicken tractor for 8 weeks in January and February. Didn't help; in fact the problem worsened during that time.
Mites & Lice: We've dusted the birds, coop, perches, and bedding with DE every 3-4 weeks since December.
Diet: They are currently on a 17% protein feed, supplemented with cooked eggs (once a week or so), greens (once a week), sunflower seeds (4 cups daily), AviaCharge in their water daily. The've been on the AviaCharge, greens, and sunflower since January.
We've noticed the hens picking at each other feathers, seen a few feathers eaten, and noticed broken feathers with bloody quills. New feathers never seem to mature before they disappear. On 2 or 3 of the birds the feathers that remain seem to be in poor condition, and they almost look as though they have the mange. Meanwhile, some of the other hens are unaffected.
I think the problem is feather picking and eating - is there anything I can do to break the habit? Anything else I should add or change about their diet? I feel just awful for the poor girls, they look horrible. Thanks for any help or advice.
David
We thought it might be "Rooster Rash" so we removed the Roo to a chicken tractor for 8 weeks in January and February. Didn't help; in fact the problem worsened during that time.
Mites & Lice: We've dusted the birds, coop, perches, and bedding with DE every 3-4 weeks since December.
Diet: They are currently on a 17% protein feed, supplemented with cooked eggs (once a week or so), greens (once a week), sunflower seeds (4 cups daily), AviaCharge in their water daily. The've been on the AviaCharge, greens, and sunflower since January.
We've noticed the hens picking at each other feathers, seen a few feathers eaten, and noticed broken feathers with bloody quills. New feathers never seem to mature before they disappear. On 2 or 3 of the birds the feathers that remain seem to be in poor condition, and they almost look as though they have the mange. Meanwhile, some of the other hens are unaffected.
I think the problem is feather picking and eating - is there anything I can do to break the habit? Anything else I should add or change about their diet? I feel just awful for the poor girls, they look horrible. Thanks for any help or advice.
David


