Hen or roo?

[jenn-]

This mystery is what I think is a production red from TSC. S/he is right about 5 months old. I'm hoping the wattles and combs are just from whatever they crossed her with. Her/his tail feathers are constantly removed by the queen bee of the group. Any guesses?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

At 5 months - pullet. The hackle feathers are as round as round could be and the reddening of the comb and wattles is just maturity rather than gender.

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

Her comb is becoming larger because she is close to laying age. How much protein is in their food?

 

[jenn-]

At 5 months - pullet.  The hackle feathers are as round as round could be and the reddening of the comb and wattles is just maturity rather than gender.

That's what I told my FIL. He will be happy to hear that I was right.

Her comb is becoming larger because she is close to laying age. How much protein is in their food?

I don't know what feed he is using. What difference does the protein amount make at this age?

 

[jenna2030]

I think it's a hen but not positive

I

Do u

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

At 5 months - pullet.  The hackle feathers are as round as round could be and the reddening of the comb and wattles is just maturity rather than gender.

That's what I told my FIL. He will be happy to hear that I was right.

Her comb is becoming larger because she is close to laying age. How much protein is in their food?

I don't know what feed he is using. What difference does the protein amount make at this age?

Chickens usually will pull out their flock mates feathers when they don't have enough protein or don't have enough activities to occupy themselves.

 

[jenn-]

Chickens usually will pull out their flock mates feathers when they don't have enough protein or don't have enough activities to occupy themselves.

The plucking started when he had 12 chicks in a brooder too small. Queen Bee has never stopped picking on this one since. Queen Bee is the only picker and Chunky is the only victim. What is considered the best amount of protein in a bag feed for chickens that do not get the free range? Are there other protein snacks that would go over well beyond meal worms?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

The plucking started when he had 12 chicks in a brooder too small. Queen Bee has never stopped picking on this one since. Queen Bee is the only picker and Chunky is the only victim. What is considered the best amount of protein in a bag feed for chickens that do not get the free range? Are there other protein snacks that would go over well beyond meal worms?

Unfortunately, that is not at all uncommon - and, once started, the habit is generally pretty hard to break. Protein isn't going to correct this issue. Since you know who the culprit is you can either use pinless peepers or remove the offender from the flock.