I've had feather picking in my flock for about as long as I've had chickens. I've been trying to find a solution for thirteen years. I posted two threads on this subject.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/feather-picking-and-a-possible-way-to-control-it.1495721/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/i-think-i-found-a-miracle-cure-for-feather-picking.697052/ Both of these failed, but I think I'm finally onto a real solution.
For the past few months, I've been giving the flock CBD cannabis since I can grow it legally in Colorado. But many states have legalized CBD from hemp, so this may be something a lot of you may be able to try. You can buy CBD oil from hemp, but if you can grow cannabis legally, you can also give them the leaves after treating them to release the CBD compounds. I put a hand full of these treated leaves in a feeding dish each day, and the chickens help themselves to it. I am noticing a difference in the amount of feather picking already. My EEs still all have their beards, and the rooster still has his neck feathers.
CBD works to calm the chickens, reducing anxiety and aggression. I use trim leaves from the dried plant. But first you need to decarboxylate the leaves to activate the CBD compounds. You do this in a 200F oven for 90 minutes. I then store the decarbed leaves in a big jar and keep it in the run so the chickens can always nibble on some when they feel the urge. They seem to enjoy the taste and it is non-toxic. The chickens don't overdose themselves. I am guessing that those that feel a calming effect from eating the CBD leaves return to eat them when they want the calming effect.
If it's not legal to grow cannabis in your state, you may be able to legally obtain CBD oil from hemp. Here is more information including dosing instructions. https://hempwell.com/blogs/pets/cbd-for-birds-what-every-bird-parent-needs-to-know
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/feather-picking-and-a-possible-way-to-control-it.1495721/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/i-think-i-found-a-miracle-cure-for-feather-picking.697052/ Both of these failed, but I think I'm finally onto a real solution.
For the past few months, I've been giving the flock CBD cannabis since I can grow it legally in Colorado. But many states have legalized CBD from hemp, so this may be something a lot of you may be able to try. You can buy CBD oil from hemp, but if you can grow cannabis legally, you can also give them the leaves after treating them to release the CBD compounds. I put a hand full of these treated leaves in a feeding dish each day, and the chickens help themselves to it. I am noticing a difference in the amount of feather picking already. My EEs still all have their beards, and the rooster still has his neck feathers.
CBD works to calm the chickens, reducing anxiety and aggression. I use trim leaves from the dried plant. But first you need to decarboxylate the leaves to activate the CBD compounds. You do this in a 200F oven for 90 minutes. I then store the decarbed leaves in a big jar and keep it in the run so the chickens can always nibble on some when they feel the urge. They seem to enjoy the taste and it is non-toxic. The chickens don't overdose themselves. I am guessing that those that feel a calming effect from eating the CBD leaves return to eat them when they want the calming effect.
If it's not legal to grow cannabis in your state, you may be able to legally obtain CBD oil from hemp. Here is more information including dosing instructions. https://hempwell.com/blogs/pets/cbd-for-birds-what-every-bird-parent-needs-to-know
