Feathers Not Growing Back

[Mylied]

One of my hens is missing all her back feathers due to breeding. I gave her a chicken saddle before she lost them all and didn't see that somehow the rooster was still getting the feathers off. The saddle covered her back until I removed it to clean it. I saw all the feathers gone. I took her away from the roosters along with her sister that isn't as bad. I've had them separated for almost a month now and her feathers haven't grown back. Is there something I should be doing? I've been giving them feather fixer and oyster shells since they are still laying. It looks a bit dried. Should I put salve on it? Will it not grow back until she molts? I haven't had to deal with this before, so thanks for the help.

 

[Kiki]

You may want to switch them to a higher % protein feed for a while.

 

[two j farm]

I have read you can give them a little cat food to up the protein.

 

[Mylied]

Feather fixer is the higher protein feed. Thanks for the tip on cat food. I'll look into it. I wasn't sure if the feathers only grow at certain times.

 

[two j farm]

I have had the feathers missing on my hens from the roster and I used the saddles too. The feathers did come back but it took a few months.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Most of the time the feathers are rubbed off or broken during mating, so the shaft is still in the skin - they won't grow back until it's time to molt.

If you want to post some photos, we will be happy to look at them

 

[Mylied]

Most of the time the feathers are rubbed off or broken during mating, so the shaft is still in the skin - they won't grow back until it's time to molt.

If you want to post some photos, we will be happy to look at them

You're very right. Now that I look closer, I see the shafts still in. She have a few random pin feathers I guess from where they were totally pulled out. Poor girl. I have her in shade and I did put some salve on her skin. I guess she will be getting a break from the rooster for longer than I initially planned on. Here's pictures.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have had them look like that, they should feather in once they molt. It won't hurt to put salve on them, you may want to put the saddles back to protect the skin from the sun and possible pecking.