Feather loss

[lolafanau]

Recently brought two chickens from my yard to my house to live in the garden. The kids chose which two. One is this scraggly looking thing, lays, eats, drinks etc all happy but yard owner said it was attacked a few months ago & since then it experienced feather loss and gets panicked if it sees the dogs.
Just wondering if theres any way to encourage feather regrowth?
X

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi there, welcome to BYC!

Sometimes feathers won't grow back in until the bird molts.

Best way to encourage feather regrowth is by using a formulated ration so they are getting the proper nutrients including protein and amino acids along with the other vitamins and minerals. Do you have any idea of their ages?

Are you able to post photos, so we can help verify there aren't other issues like possible parasites effecting the feather condition. Also, if you could add your general location to your profile so folks can make their best suggestions possible at a glance.

Also, making sure they get a night time rest, being inside.. so lights aren't on all night. Laying hormone is light related... molt usually takes place as daylight get's shorter near the fall, often around their 2nd fall in life. But many, many things can effect this including genetics.. so this is an approximation not exact and will always vary some by individual.

 

[lolafanau]

Hi there, welcome to BYC!

Sometimes feathers won't grow back in until the bird molts.

Best way to encourage feather regrowth is by using a formulated ration so they are getting the proper nutrients including protein and amino acids along with the other vitamins and minerals. Do you have any idea of their ages?

Are you able to post photos, so we can help verify there aren't other issues like possible parasites effecting the feather condition. Also, if you could add your general location to your profile so folks can make their best suggestions possible at a glance.

Also, making sure they get a night time rest, being inside.. so lights aren't on all night. Laying hormone is light related... molt usually takes place as daylight get's shorter near the fall, often around their 2nd fall in life. But many, many things can effect this including genetics.. so this is an approximation not exact and will always vary some by individual.

She is approximately 1 year old Light Sussex. Shes been checked for parasites/mites and is all clear and also no obvious skin related issues so it seems the cause was stress induced.
They go into bed at sunset each night, no artificial lighting inside their house and they get let out between 7.30 and 8.30am daily.
I'll try and get photo tommorow morning as they are in bed for the night. And I'll check that their feed is rich enough in the right nutrients.
My grandmother used to give her ex battery hens oat baths which she always swore helped feather growth but I'm not convinced
I'm in South england, UK.
Thank you

 

[lolafanau]

Quite a few feathers were physically removed during her scuffle with the fox and it looks like shes preened the others out in those areas. She sustained a small puncture wound when it happened which was treated by the yards resident vet too. Was an entirely traumatic time for her

 

[EggSighted4Life]

My grandmother used to give her ex battery hens oat baths which she always swore helped feather growth but I'm not convinced

Ya know, every situation is unique and gramma might have been onto something... Maybe she did help parasite issues... or maybe the bath was soothing and relaxing helping the hens realize they were no longer in the same situation. Or maybe they were gonna regrow anyways and it was coincidence..

Since she is laying daily, that is where most of her energy is going. So as long as you know you've got the nutrition and parasites handled, the only thing left would be patience.

Can't wait to see her, sounds like she found a fantastic home!

 

[lolafanau]

I have this photo from the other day. She is a sweet little thing thank you for your advice and support x

 

[doc39rob]

I have the same problem. Have couple hens ~1.5yrs old. No roosters. Free range in 1.5 acres. Have 16% Layer Feed 24/7 and water available. They go back and forth the coop to lay their eggs and go into it at night. They do have a fenced off 20ft x 10ft run that is 100% enclosed if needed. See pics below