⠀ Feathers.

[tmarr]

Is there anything I can give my ex battery hens to improve their feathers? They are doing great but would like to give their feathers a boost!

 

[N F C]

From what I understand, feathers are primarily made up of protein. You can try adding extra protein through their diet with things like tuna fish, black oil sunflower seed, and eggs (hard boiled or scrambled). I hope that helps. Glad to hear your ex-bats are doing well!

 

[tmarr]

From what I understand, feathers are primarily made up of protein. You can try adding extra protein through their diet with things like tuna fish, black oil sunflower seed, and eggs (hard boiled or scrambled). I hope that helps. Glad to hear your ex-bats are doing well!

Thanks that's great! Yip they're laying away and very mischievous lol!!

 

[N F C]

Funny you mention yours are mischievous! I had no idea chickens could be ornery until having some. They can be regular pistols sometimes! Guess that's part of the reason they are so lovable

 

[KatharinetheGr8]

Finally a post I actually know a little about! Just as @NorthFLChick confirmed, feathers are a protein. They are made of keratin, the exact same protein that makes up your hair and fingernails. Anything that you know boosts your hair is the same for your chicken's feathers. I'm thinking foods that are high in omega-3s. Flax seed, pumpkin seeds, oatmeal is often enriched with omega-3s, brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, watercress, mint and parsley all have high omega 3s. Of course salmon, tuna, and mackerel are the classic food items associated with this important fat but I understand feeding fish to your chickens can produce fishy eggs. Which sounds gross to me. Anyway, get a good seed mix with some flax and pumpkin seeds and give it to your chickens - that should help their feathers. In fact, I believe I'll take my own advice and give my girls some as well!

 

[tmarr]

Funny you mention yours are mischievous! I had no idea chickens could be ornery until having some. They can be regular pistols sometimes! Guess that's part of the reason they are so lovable

I know they're so clever and quick too! They keep me and the ducks on our toes!!

 

[tmarr]

Finally a post I actually know a little about!  Just as @NorthFLChick
 confirmed, feathers are a protein.  They are made of keratin, the exact same protein that makes up your hair and fingernails.  Anything that you know boosts your hair is the same for your chicken's feathers.  I'm thinking foods that are high in omega-3s.  Flax seed, pumpkin seeds, oatmeal is often enriched with omega-3s, brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, watercress, mint and parsley all have high omega 3s.  Of course salmon, tuna, and mackerel are the classic food items associated with this important fat but I understand feeding fish to your chickens can produce fishy eggs.  Which sounds gross to me.  Anyway, get a good seed mix with some flax and pumpkin seeds and give it to your chickens - that should help their feathers.  In fact, I believe I'll take my own advice and give my girls some as well!  

Lol! Sounds very tasty apart from the fish!!! Thanks I'll give it a go! Speckles feathers have mostly come back but poor spot still looks like she has had a fight with a lawnmower!!