Help! the feathers are flying!

[frankenchick]

What is wrong with my girls and boys?! Today when I came home, there were feathers everywhere in the pen and just about everyone has some bare spots I have had the older girls on layer mash for 2 days -- are they not getting enough protein, or something? Are they PMS-ing? Is the neighbor dog freaking them out by coming over and pooping in their coop? [she's in lockdown for that].

Should I paint everyone with wound-kote?

 

[frankenchick]

Bianca's down to ONE tail feather!!

 

[seedcorn]

check for parasites? Unless they are moulting but I wouldn't think they would be this time of year.......

 

[justusnak]

You said the dog was getting in the coop......and pooing. Is there a chance the dog is plucking them? Why is the dog allowed in the coop? I definately would keep the dog out.....put some wound coat on them, and check for mites.

 

[akcskye]

Another thing to consider, is that you say 'what's wrong with my girls and boys'?

So, I take it that you have Roo's, too?

If so, is there a possibility that there are some "turf wars" going on, and everyone is involved?

I only ask that because Billy, my roo, did bald some of my ladies at the base of their tails when he'd mount them...

I know my example is not turf wars...but it's something to consider.

 

[AK-Bird-brain]

could also be that their cramped up and cranky. try hanging a head of cabage about 18 inches off the ground in their run. if their bored this will give them something to be besides pick on each other.