Hen not getting feathers back

[Mulemom]

My friend's hen moulted about 3 months ago and never got her feathers back. She is an older hen and she is wondering if she could still be moulting or if there could be another problem causing them not to come back. Can anyone give us some suggestions?

 

[Farmer Kitty]

I don't really know but, maybe try feeding black oil sunflower seeds. They contain methione that is needed for feather growth. Plus they are high in protein.

 

[justusnak]

Have her check the hen really well, for lice/mites. This will cause her to not grow them back as fast. I agree, up the protien...black oil sunflower seeds, dry cat food.

 

[snugglepup]

I'd look real close for parasites.

 

[bunch-a-chickens]

If parasites do exist, you can use crushed lime(the rock) to sprinkle on her and the coop. It also elemenates smells.

 

[silkiechicken]

Could she be over mated too? Have any roos? DE is good to use for a pesticide, but I use poultry dust.

 

[Mulemom]

We thought it could be parasites and the roo who is just coming into his maleness and is more then a little rough with the girls.

Thanks everyone. We'll try both DE dusting and seperation from the roo and see if we can't get some clothes back on her.

 

[Mulemom]

Hi Everyone! Got an email from my friend today I thought I'd share with all of you who helped!

OK !

So its been 10 days, what amazin results. I jumped right on the advice given - Thank-you so much. Here's how it all went down:

Red 3 year old hen. Good layer. Had an over zealous Rooster (Big Daddy - barred R. cross) Big Daddy began to wear the feathers off the girls and had to be moved along. Summer wrapped and the bachelorettes partied while getting feathers back in time for winter, except the red girl. She refused to roost in the coop and even the Guineas began to pick at her. She suffered some minor sunburn I'm sure, but no sign of new feathers.

So, I made her a bed from a wooden coca-cola box, lined the bottom with newspaper, added shavings mixed well with DE. Ran out and purchased the black oil (sunflower) seeds and some kitty chow like so wisely advised.

Receipe; layer crumbles, black sunflower seeds, DE, and kitty chow. ( also sprinkling her body with DE. )

Boy did she go to town. NOW - in only10 DAYS ! "1/2 inch feathers where only bald skin had been for months!! No kidding OMGosh.

Thank-you so much. Thought she was gonna have to go to the big pasture in the sky. We'll see ya'll there someday and thank you again in person. Deb, Craig, & Red girl



PS. Big Daddy's son "Butterball" hasn't even began his spurs but is already 14 lbs. what the heck will the girls do about that? oxoxox

 

[SpottedCrow]

Hooray!!!
so glad that she won't have to go through the winter wearing a doggie sweater.

 

[rooster-red]

Good timing, she'll need those feathers now.