How long for feather recovery?

[sloanbychoice]

Just wondering how long I should expect it to take for my girls’ feathers to come back in after culling my rooster?

He had their backs all roughed up, and a couple of them have small bald spots.
Most of them have the “just got out of bed” look as far as feathers being a mess.

He’s gone now, and I’m keeping a close eye on their skin and feathers. Just wanted to know likely time frame on them getting back to looking their best.

Thanks!

 

[ChickenCurt]

It can vary, but if you add flax to their diet it may come in faster (a month, give or take).

 

[LikeTurkeys]

If the feathers are broken, then it will take till their next molt to regrow their feathers. If they were yanked out, you may start to see new pin feathers within the next few weeks.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Agree. If any part of the shaft is left in they will not grow that feather until their next molt. If all the feather is out it should come back fairly soon. It doesn't matter what you feed them.

 

[sloanbychoice]

Thanks guys.
This is what some of them look like.

 

[sloanbychoice]

 

[aart]

It can vary, but if you add flax to their diet it may come in faster (a month, give or take).

No 'magic' food will make it happen any faster.

Probably have to wait until molt.

 

[sloanbychoice]

@aart Ya I didn’t figure anything I feed them would bring them back.
I was hoping maybe in weeks or so...
I hate that they got so torn up before I could solve the issue.
They have complete layer feed and I have been giving them extra protein so they can work hard to make those feathers.

Of course, our temps plummeted the other night out of nowhere, and I hate that they have bald spots. But they seem to be keeping warm ok.

 

[aart]

They have complete layer feed and I have been giving them extra protein so they can work hard to make those feathers.

Umm, they won't make new feathers until after they molt next fall.

I hate that they got so torn up before I could solve the issue.

Don't beat yourself up, it's part of having chickens.
Those ugly feathers are bald spots bother keepers much more than they bother the chickens.

 

[sloanbychoice]

Side note:
It’s been three days without him, and they are sooo happy. And no noticeable changes in pecking order. (I wasn’t sure what to expect there.)