Frayed feathers... pests??

[junebuggena]

I really appreciate all your help! I am going to start meal worms for some extra protein. I was also thinking about free ranging them. I have 2 acres. My concerns are the many prey birds and the young cat on my property. But probably worth the risk, since the feather pecking still seems to be an issue after I got rid of my main feather pecking culprit!

The space seems adequate. It's more likely low protein layer feed getting cut with scratch that caused protein deficiencies that led to feather picking. Switch to a higher protein feed and stop giving scratch.

 

[OuttaKaliAcres]

The feather pecking started before I started giving them scratch. I only give them greens every few days because they don't have access to any here in the desert. The majority of their diet is layer feed and it is the highest protein layer feed I can find them. Thank you though!! All suggestions are welcome as I would like to put a stop to the feather pecking. They currently don't have any outdoor roost space or structure, just flat ground. Maybe they are bored? I'm going to start building some stuff for them this week.

 

[junebuggena]

What is the protein content? Most layer feeds are only about 16%, which is the bare minimum for egg production. You don't have to feed layer feed to get eggs. It doesn't have some secret, magic ingredient in it. It's just regular feed, but with less protein and a whole lot more calcium. Switching to a grower or even starter feed may help.

 

[drumstick diva]

To keep your birds busy - you could get some kong toys like they have for dogs. I noticed in the pet shop they have them for parrots. You stuff some type of food in them and the birds have to work at getting it out. They might also like some real branches to roost on inside or out. Some chickens enjoy the "chicken swings," - any diversion can take their mind off of feather plucking etc.

Brightly colored balls to push around, treat balls or cabbage heads hung just out of reach so they have to jump up to get some.

 

[jdwilk]

Did you ever find out what the problem was?? I have a Wyandotte that looks identical to this. I also have some others with ragged tail feathers. No mites. Would love to figure out what is going on. Thanks!

Do these frayed back feathers look normal? Is it a molt thing, social feather pecking, or possibly mites? I've spent hours trying to figure it out on the internet. I've searched for bugs on her. No bugs or signs of either. Completely clean under her feathers. Thanks in advance!