Feather picking

[Ward Chickens]

So we rescued 6 chickens from an ex battery farm about 3 weeks ago, and we have just noticed one of the chickens (with all its feathers, only 2 have full feathers, the others have mostly moulted but are starting to re grow) but one of the feathered chickens has started to feather pick the others, one mainly but shes not too fussed who she picks as she has gone for the other 4. As I can not get out at the moment does anyone have suggestions on how to treat her to stop the picking? I'm worried the others may bleed or they may gang up on the other chicken. May thanks

 

[JaeG]

Feather picking is generally a sign that they have not been getting enough protein. Offer them some animal protein such as cooked minced beef. The moulting ones will need a lot of extra protein to regrow their feathers anyway. You can get sprays to prevent them picking, but someone else will have to help you out there as I've never needed to use them.

 

[Ward Chickens]

Thank you, I'm just worried incase I cant order anything on line or go out as were in lockdown!

 

[aart]

How much space do they have?
Dimensions and pics would be most helpful here.

What all and how exactly are you feeding?

 

[Ward Chickens]

Feeding them with a mix of pellets and mixed corn, also veg and fruit left overs, and crushed oyster shells in their food. They have a coop and also outdoor space down the side of the house about 4metersx3 meters long. Were hoping to extend it soon, so it's a bigger area. We do have a big garden just I dont want the kids to be treading in poo all the time!

 

[aart]

pellets

What kind of pellets link tp exact product would help, or...what is the percentage of protein and calcium shown on the tag sewn into the bottom of feed bag?

Oyster shell should not be mixed into the feed but offered in a separate feeder.

Might want to cut out the corn and most the fruit and veg....they need top notch nutrition to recover.

Oh, and.... Welcome to BYC! @Ward Chickens
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