Hens without tail feathers

[Cebe51]

Hi everyone, since I have to return my 4 roosters I decided to go to the Half Moon Bay Feed and Fuel in Half Moon Bay, CA and bought two three-month old hens. One is a Buff Orpington and the other a Moto Java??? Never heard of it. Anyhow, they are both so thin, but the Java has no tail feathers, she's so raw, poor thing. I don't know if I should return it (they cost $20 each). If I do return it, perhaps she'll be even worse. I'm thinking that I can treat her, keep her separate from the others and hope she'll grow some feathers. I need some advice from you guys out there.

Thanks

 

[Gargoyle]

Could you post some photos?

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

I would keep her with the other one if they don't seem to bother each other. If they do then desperate other for sure. If you have sewing skills or know someone that does you could make a modified saddle that would cover her back end too. Feed her protein, I think someone told me Game bird feed. Show conditioner might also help. I buy the Manna Pro kind, it is just little pellets and you mix so much into their normal feed. It helps feather health for before shows, but I would think it would help them grow out faster too. I had a hen that lost all her back feathers to my stupid ducks (sorry, I love them, but will never forgive them), but after they were taken away, she got back to normal in about 3 weeks. If you can find the root of the problem you shouldn't have a problem getting them to grow back.

Best of Luck!~ Ms. B.

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

Oh, and if you do make a saddle, make sure it won't rub her skin raw, and has enough room for her skin to breathe.

 

[Cebe51]

Thank you so much! We were going to take her back to the store but when we put her in the box, she tried to escape. I held her and she was very content in my arms...I'm a sucker. What if I take her back and the others keep pecking her??? I will try to have someone make a saddle as you've suggested, however, I still don't know the reason for her problem.

Thanks kindly.

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

It's probably something from the store. I stole a chick once from a feed store because it was missing so many feathers and his butt was covered in blood and the others were pecking at it. Unfortunately it was infected and I couldn't save him, but it did make me mad. Lots of people at places like that don't really care about the chicks, and they end up in bad shape. I wouldn't take her back because they might not take her, or she'll just get worse. Keeping her is probably the best thing.

~Ms.B

 

[pemphredo]

I just got 3 hens they are missing their tail feathers. they were pulled out by the roosters they were with before I got them. Maybe even pulled out by other hens they were with before. it may be that who ever her roommates were before you got her were pulling them out.