How to stop feathers from breaking?

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Welcome to byc! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

What do you mean by feathers breaking? This time of year is when chickens molt or lose their feathers. Although this is a natural cycle you can still help it by giving your chickens lots of protein. Mealworms, oatmeal, peas and quinoa are all good protein foods.

Chickens can break wing feathers by falling off of roosts and such. There is really no way to stop this.

Hope this helps!
 
If you would post a photo it would help us - help you. Maybe you are seeing "pin feathers," growing in where others have molted or been pecked off.
 
Welcome to BYC
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Depending on what the problem/cause is a Feather Fixer (link) feed may help, also a little Apple Cider Vinegar in their drink water for a few days now and then (I use a ratio of 4-5 tablespoons to a gallon water) will help improve feather quality. If it's just molting they may benefit from a little extra protein in their diet. Give them treats such as cooked eggs, mealworms (they will love you forever
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), meat scraps etc. Here is a good thread on molting:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/580915/for-the-new-folks-that-havent-experienced-a-molt-yet/0_30

The damage may also be due to mites/lice. Examine them thoroughly, under their wings, around their vents, etc for signs of freeloaders. A good dusting with poultry dust such as Permethrin or Sevin dust will take care of that problem quickly.

If the problem is due to pecking the reason could be that the flock is overcrowded or bored, or just being bullies. If they pull and eat each others' feathers they need more protein in their diet. A flock block (link) will help amuse them, or a cabbage hung in the run. Also make sure you have plenty space for them to run around in (ideally 10 sf ft per chicken in the run and 4 sq ft in the coop). If they are bullying and pecking each other in spite of that, you should maybe look into getting the culprits some Pinless Peeper/Poultry Blinders (link).

I think that covered all the possibilities? lol Good luck with them!
 
Welcome to BYC!
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We're glad to have you.

Sumi's given some excellent advice!

When my birds molt, I usually switch them to a higher protein game bird grower feed. This helps the feathers grow in. You can also supplement with hard boiled or scrambled eggs or mealworms for extra protein. Sunflower seeds may improve feather condition as well.
 
Hello there and welcome to BYC!
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You have been given some great advice on molting. Feathers get old and birds will replace them each year. If the feathers are growing in weak or the bird is over grooming them and they are breaking, this bird may have a health issue. Give the bird an over all exam for anything that might be lowering the immunity. You might get this bird on some probiotics to help boost the immune system.

Good luck and I hope you can solve this mystery!
 

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