Featherpickers

[zumzumfoxy]

Hey all!

I read that it means a chicken needs extra protein when they pluck/eat other chickens' feathers, but poor Jet's gotten her entire back and neck all raggedy from Red plucking/nomming on the feathers! (Chai gets the idea to try it once in a while.)

Is there anything I can do to help protect Jet from her feathers getting chowed down on and discourage the behavior?

 

[Chick15]

I believe you can buy a chicken "apron" which could help. you may also want to separate her from the others. I havent had this happen, but have heard a lot about it.

 

[Chick15]

http://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog/chickens/Chicken-Saddle-Free-shipping-p764.aspx
here is a link so you can check out these chicken saddles...

 

[zumzumfoxy]

Yikes - wouldn't isolation be worse for the chicken in the long run?

Thanks for the link to the aprons! I thought maybe something like that would help. Also, would making a garlic-water mixture help any? I thought if I made her neck and back bitter it'd repel the others from nomming on her. Thanks