I think I found a miracle cure for feather picking

[azygous]

Thanks for asking about Flo. She's calmer, but she still goes right for the nearest feathers as soon as she's let out of jail. The fact that she's calming down from her previous frenzied pacing and vocalizing gives me hope that this latest relapse is close to running its course. I'm continuing to feed meal worms to her, around 65 each day, and camomile tea, which may be why she's calming down. I've given her dried cat food, but she hasn't really wanted to eat it.

We've had an extended bout of extremely cold weather, below zero degrees F in the mornings, so maybe that has added to her stress. It is coming to an end with a warming trend beginning tomorrow, so I'm hoping that will spark a change in Flo.

My thoughts are also turning to baby chicks. Spring must be imminent.

 

[Lacy Blues]

If she is really that stressed, try giving her some plain, unsweetened yogurt. It won't calm her down but it will help her handle her stress better.

 

[azygous]

They all have been getting yogurt mixed into their hot oatmeal with crushed peanuts each morning during this deep freeze. They don't like the oatmeal as well without it.

Keep tossing the tips my way! I'm willing to try anything!

By the way, they all still get Forco.

 

[chickenlickin8]

The dry cat food will take time to get used to but it seems to boost feather growth and help with the feather picking as well. Mine love it now! Hopefully Flo will go into remission soon

 

[Cynthia12]

Overcrowding and space issues are not always the cause. I think a lot depends on the temperament of your particular breed.

I so agree with this!

 

[chickenlickin8]

Well, it looks like Sadie is picking less than she was now that she has been eating FORCO for a wee or so. My Ameraucana "Gert" that was her prime target still has the new pin feathers growing in without a sign they have been picked at. I'm impressed so far. Let's continue to see what happens.

What's new with Flo? Still in jail?

 

[azygous]

Flo is still doing jail time. I let her out to lay her egg today, and on her way to the nest box, she paused to yank a feather from the rooster's foot.

Sigh.

I'm glad to hear you're seeing results so soon. Bear in mind that most results from Forco usually take four to six weeks. So if you have any relapsing, that would be normal.

 

[equius]

I wonder if it could be a protein deficiency? I would be happy to send you some roasted ground soybeans to see if that would help.

Jim Rea

 

[azygous]

Hi Jim! Yeah, my problem child, the reason for trying Forco, the entire reason for this gonzo thread, just can't seem to kick the habit this time. I just let her out of jail so she could go into her coop and roost for the night. She stopped next to the rooster and yanked a feather from his neck. She's incorrigible!

I've been feeding her meal worms, and today, she got half a can of tuna. I do believe she's got a protein issue, although her feathers appear sleek and healthy. I'm willing to give the roasted ground soy beans a try. Maybe it's a matter of finding the right protein source for her.

 

[Lacy Blues]

Azygous,

Have you been able to identify Flo's droppings compared to the other birds?

I'm thinking that perhaps she is lacking something that will enable her to use the proteins she is receiving. You're giving her plenty of protein, she shouldn't be still crazy for feathers, so, I think she has a problem absorbing.

If you can identify her droppings and describe them, maybe we can come up with something.

One thing, right off, is Vitamin C. I know all the research says that chickens don't need it as they make their own. Well, maybe Flo doesn't. Vitamin C is necessary for bile production which will help her digest her food better. If you have roses that have hips on them, these are a fantastic source of Vit C. Chop some up and let her have them.

Protein as well as Vitamin D in the body are destroyed when under severe stress. You're giving her protein. Maybe she needs some Vit D as well. The winter sun does not give Vit D, so we need to rely on our diet. The only good natural sources are fish-liver oils.