Okay. They are not naturally ugly, lol. They are feather eaters and I have tried EVERYTHING to get them to stop. They are brown leghorns. I have eight pullets and 3 cockerels. They will be a year old in July. The hens are good layers, but look like they have leprosy or something. I know it's feather eating because I've seen them do it. The poor rooster that is in with the hens has no tail to speak of. He looks hilariously pitiful. The other two Roos have their own bachelor pads. They free range most of the day, are fed high quality feed, boiled eggs, meal worms, some scratch, and the occasional can of cat food because they love it. Their coop is plenty big and has plenty of nest boxes. I think this is just a learned behavior and they are not going to stop until they are separated or are in new surroundings.
Recently we got some new chicks ( EE, New Hampshire, Black Star, Sussex, Orpington, Red Comet, and Barred Rock). We want to raise a new laying flock and see if they behave better. So, my question is, what do we do with the old flock of feather eaters? I really don't want to kill them. Plus, leghorns are skinny birds. I'd rather they were sold or adopted, but who wants ugly chickens? I know the feathers grow back, but that takes a while and they won't let any grow in. I don't know what to do. The new chicks are about to be too big for the brooder.
Gah. They would lay some nice big eggs for someone.
Recently we got some new chicks ( EE, New Hampshire, Black Star, Sussex, Orpington, Red Comet, and Barred Rock). We want to raise a new laying flock and see if they behave better. So, my question is, what do we do with the old flock of feather eaters? I really don't want to kill them. Plus, leghorns are skinny birds. I'd rather they were sold or adopted, but who wants ugly chickens? I know the feathers grow back, but that takes a while and they won't let any grow in. I don't know what to do. The new chicks are about to be too big for the brooder.
Gah. They would lay some nice big eggs for someone.
