Hen plucking own breast feathers

[Chickenman623]

We have 6 hens. They are coming up on 3 years old in April. (I think) Last Summer we were getting as many as 5 eggs a day but as the weather got cooler they have pretty much stopped laying. I attributed it to molting. We typically get one egg a day now. Have no way of knowing if it's just one hen laying an egg daily or several laying one occasionally. And we've got one hen that is plucking her breast feathers and I can't tell why. She doesn't seem depressed, is well fed and watered. She's as active as the rest and responds aggressively when I scatter sunflower seeds for the group. Temps have been in the 40's and 50's during the day, so I don't think that's the problem. Any thoughts?

 

[Sally PB]

And we've got one hen that is plucking her breast feathers and I can't tell why.

That is a sign that she is going broody.

Other signs: Does she want to stay in the nest all day and night? If you take her out, does she "flatten out" when you set her on the floor, and screech? Does she walk around, sounding like a ticking time bomb? (My broody has a certain noise that sounds like "bup bup bup bup.")

 

[GracePoultry]

check her and make sure there are no bugs. what is the protein percentage in your feed? it could be a protein deficiency.

Good luck!

 

[Chickenman623]

Thanks, but I've not seen her exhibit any broody "hints". I feed her (and the rest) Purina's Layena. With ought going out in this cold (cold, cold) weather to my shop where the feed sacks are, I "think" the protein is at 16%, which "should" be enough protein, or at least Purina thinks so. The only thing I can think it could be is she might have mites. I've read several places tonight where that might be something to look for. I've read that diluted vinegar can be sprayed onto the areas she's plucking will discourage that behavior. This behavior just started about a week ago and she doesn't seem to be slowing down a bit.

 

[Chickenman623]

Pulled my chicken-feather-pluckin' hen out of the pen and brought her into the house for closer inspection. We couldn't find any crawlin' critters on her behind or any place else. She lost some feathers and debris while in the kitchen, so when we got her back into the pen with the others, we inspected all of it and also found NO crawlin' critters. She's plucked all of her tail feathers...........working on her breast and the back of her neck. The top of her head looks as if it's been plucked, but she can't reach that spot! ????? I've not seen any of the other hens exhibit any animas toward her and they aren't plucking her feathers. She's starting to look pretty sad and a bit shaggy. We tried to feed her a plate of Tuna fish while she was inside, but she wouldn't eat while I was holding her. Took the plate out to the pen and everyone else shared in her bonanza........and she got in on the "tuna attack" she didn't completely miss out. I'm feeding Purina's Layena at 16% protein. Should I switch to Flockraiser Crumbles? I think they are 20% protein. I don't know what too do but sure do feel inadequate as a Chickie-Daddy right now.

 

[Chickenman623]

Well, I took the forum's advice and went back to Flockraiser Crumbles and she's looking like the beautiful Black Astrolorp she was meant to be. So thank you to everyone.

I know I should start a new thread for a new question but I'll be hanged if I can find out to start a new thread. I've spent the last 15 minutes trying to find the "button" but am unable to, so:

We've finally started getting up to 5 eggs a day after this cold snap and everything else we had going on. BUT..........one of the hens is laying eggs with shells so thin you can't even pick them up, so they are often crushed in the next by all the tramping around of spiked feet. I have NEVER been able to get this batch of hens to eat the Oyster shell I put out. It's 2mm-4mm ii size and they just won't touch it. I've saved their own shells and broken them up in a coffee grinder and mixed it into their feed but the result of that is really screwy droppings...................and I can't say I noticed any stronger shells. The last batch of hens I had 14 years ago laid eggs so hard that you could barely break them to put into the frying pan. So I know this batch of hens is deficient of calcium.................but don't know how to correct it. Is there a smaller sized calcium ??? I don't want to go the "poke a pill down their throat route" because this batch isn't the tamest I've had in my life. Any suggestions. (and would someone PLEASE tell me how to start a thread ???)

 

[FrostRanger]

Well, I took the forum's advice and went back to Flockraiser Crumbles and she's looking like the beautiful Black Astrolorp she was meant to be. So thank you to everyone.

I know I should start a new thread for a new question but I'll be hanged if I can find out to start a new thread. I've spent the last 15 minutes trying to find the "button" but am unable to, so:

We've finally started getting up to 5 eggs a day after this cold snap and everything else we had going on. BUT..........one of the hens is laying eggs with shells so thin you can't even pick them up, so they are often crushed in the next by all the tramping around of spiked feet. I have NEVER been able to get this batch of hens to eat the Oyster shell I put out. It's 2mm-4mm ii size and they just won't touch it. I've saved their own shells and broken them up in a coffee grinder and mixed it into their feed but the result of that is really screwy droppings...................and I can't say I noticed any stronger shells. The last batch of hens I had 14 years ago laid eggs so hard that you could barely break them to put into the frying pan. So I know this batch of hens is deficient of calcium.................but don't know how to correct it. Is there a smaller sized calcium ??? I don't want to go the "poke a pill down their throat route" because this batch isn't the tamest I've had in my life. Any suggestions. (and would someone PLEASE tell me how to start a thread ???)

You can try flake oyster shell, some birds seem to prefer that. Chewy should sell it

 

[Chickenman623]

He-he, the only Chewy we have around here is a Mexican restaurant, and I'm pretty sure that's not what you're talking about. I'll get on the Internet and do so searching. Flakes. That makes sense.

Now if I could just find the "Post a new thread" button.

 

[FrostRanger]

He-he, the only Chewy we have around here is a Mexican restaurant, and I'm pretty sure that's not what you're talking about. I'll get on the Internet and do so searching. Flakes. That makes sense.

Now if I could just find the "Post a new thread" button.

Chewy is a website for pet supplies
The button should be near the top of the screen

 

[Mill Chick]

To make a new thread you go to the top of your screen and hit the button to the left of the home button. Once you click on it there will be a green button that says post thread click it then make your new thread! Hopefully this is helpful! If you have any more questions just ask!