Hens losong their feathers!!

[ginger497]

I have had 12 hens for over a year now and since march, they have been losing their feathers and they havent grown back yet. I thought it was just molting, but do they molt for a long time or is it a nutritional problem?

 

[gritsar]

What are you feeding them? Is there a roo in with them?

A long molt is possible, but there may be other causes.

 

[ginger497]

I have been giving them layer mash, plenty of grass and I give them other greens, carrots, and vegies.

 

[7L Farm]

Could be feather pecking from the others god I hope not.

 

[ginger497]

well, what does that mean?

 

[Crabella]

Feather picking is when the hens pull feathers out of each other. It can be a sign that they need protein or be from over crowding. It can become a habit that is hard to break. Try feeding higher protein feed. Some add cat food as a source of protein. Maybe that will help. If it is a prolonged molt, the additional protein will help them grow feathers back more quickly.

oh, and

You can use the search function to look for "feather picking" or "feather loss" and find further information. Keep us posted on how they are doing.

 

[I have WHAT in my yard?]

I don't mean to hijack your thread ginger, but I have been struggling with this for six months! Several of my hens seemed to be bottom of the pile and getting badly picked on. Their backs were bald! So, I separated the three from the flock so their feathers could grow back ------ no luck! These three picked on each other even more!!

Anyone have ideas what to do next?? Now I have a broody going which is simply not going to help flock dynamics!

 

[gritsar]

I have WHAT in my yard? :

I don't mean to hijack your thread ginger, but I have been struggling with this for six months! Several of my hens seemed to be bottom of the pile and getting badly picked on. Their backs were bald! So, I separated the three from the flock so their feathers could grow back ------ no luck! These three picked on each other even more!!

Anyone have ideas what to do next?? Now I have a broody going which is simply not going to help flock dynamics!

I don't like pinless peepers, but if the situation was bad enough they may be warranted.​

 

[ginger497]

Crabella,
I Really Appreciate The Information....... I Did Read A Little Bit About The Lack Of Protien And Will Try To Suppliment This. Never Thought Of The Cat Food! Thanks For The Tip!

I Have What In My Ward,
I Don't Mind. These Forums Are Here For Information And Feedbacks! I Appreciate Your Input Also! GOOD LUCK WIH YOUR HENS!