Hen eating feathers

[Mosey2003]

I just bought a brand new bag and mixed it all in together should I go buy another bag of layer crumbles? It’s just the one hen picking feathers from that one certain hen. The others aren’t doing it.

Go buy a bag of meatbird crumbles or gamebird crumbles and mix it in. That should bring you up to a decent protein percentage. In future, if you feed layer, don't give them corn. If you really want to mix corn, buy a higher percentage protein feed like meatbird.

Some hens do better than others on low protein, the one picking may just be the most susceptible. The hen being picked on is just an easy target because she's low on the pecking order currently.

 

[Bree99]

You said that one had been recently reintegrated. That is likely your problem.
Edit: also, how may birds total do you have in this “large shed”? Space issues can cause problems.

There’s only 8 birds in there. It’s hard describe the size of it, so saying large shed is about all I can come up with. It really is more than big enough for 8 birds.

 

[adstowe]

How long ago did you reintroduce the one being picked on? Being gone for a month can absolutely make her a target when put back.
I guess I should ask IF it’s the one being picked on that was gone for a month. I just assumed it was.

 

[Bree99]

Yes it is.

How long ago did you reintroduce the one being picked on? Being gone for a month can absolutely make her a target when put back.
I guess I should ask IF it’s the one being picked on that was gone for a month. I just assumed it was.

yes it is, she just got fully reintroduced a few days ago. the hen picking on her is one of the dominant hens so I’d assume that’s why she’s picking on her. I’ve never had a problem with them having protein issues but I will probably up the protein just to be safe.

 

[Mosey2003]

Just picking at her would be one thing, but actually eating the feathers after implies she's also looking for protein.

 

[adstowe]

Yes it is.
yes it is, she just got fully reintroduced a few days ago. the hen picking on her is one of the dominant hens so I’d assume that’s why she’s picking on her. I’ve never had a problem with them having protein issues but I will probably up the protein just to be safe.

I would recommend going to a 18-20% feed and a separate dish with oyster shell.
I would say it is the reintroduction that is getting her picked on. Do you have a dog crate or something similar you can put her in within the coop for a while? That will give the bully a chance to get used to her being back and also give her a break.

 

[Bree99]

It’s very confusing because she only eats that ones feathers. She doesn’t eat anyone else’s feathers or the feathers on the floor. If she was looking for protein wouldn’t she do it to all the others?

 

[adstowe]

Just picking at her would be one thing, but actually eating the feathers after implies she's also looking for protein.

Did it say eating? I guess I missed that. Sorry

 

[Bree99]

I would recommend going to a 18-20% feed and a separate dish with oyster shell.
I would say it is the reintroduction that is getting her picked on. Do you have a dog crate or something similar you can put her in within the coop for a while? That will give the bully a chance to get used to her being back and also give her a break.

I thought about trying that and that is probably what I will do.

 

[Mosey2003]

It’s very confusing because she only eats that ones feathers. She doesn’t eat anyone else’s feathers or the feathers on the floor. If she was looking for protein wouldn’t she do it to all the others?

Maybe. Maybe not. The others might bite back, and she knows the new one won't. And didn't you say you had removed that one because she was molting? Fresh feathers might be tastier than old dropped ones. Regardless, you're undercutting their protein right now by cutting layer with corn, you'll see improved laying if you feed more protein.