Fether Problem

[agchickchick]

Whats wrong with these hens? I have one hen that likes to pick at the other hens feathers. Could that be what this is? I have looked them over very good and don't see any mites.

 

[Babe77]

Mine look similar to those also. And I was in the process of asking the same ?

 

[okieglory]

Is the hen that likes to pull out others feathers bigger than them???

 

[agchickchick]

The hen that pulls the feathers is not bigger, but I have seen her walk up pull out feathers and eat them. Her feathers are perfect no problems.

As far as mites go, I always put DE in the coop with the pine shavings. I have never had or seen mites.

 

[tulie13]

I'm not sure if these chickens' problem is that their feathers are being pulled out, BUT the OTHER chicken that is pulling them out may have a protein deficiency. Scramble some eggs as a protein supplement for a few days - make sure they are hard cooked (well done) so they don't get a taste for raw egg and start eating their own.

Sorry I can't help on these chickens - good luck on all of them, though!

Edited to add: If they do have a protein deficiency, it might be due to the food you are feeding them - what ARE you feeding them? Standard layer ration or just grains? Do they free range at all?

 

[sgtmom52]

You can also give them black oil sunflower seeds. Some people add a little high protein dry kitten food ~ however be careful with this as it can have a high salt content.

 

[HorseFeathers]

Definitely feather picking. Since it is just one hen doing the picking (correct?) I would suggest culling or rehoming her. Picking is a learned activity and it can spread. Some chickens will literally peck the others to death.
Besides rehoming the "bad egg" I also strongly recommend allowing them to free-range as much as possible. Picking is often caused by boredom. Also, use Blu-Kote or a plain old duct tape covering over the bald hens' red spots — if others see that they pay start to peck too.
Hope that helped.