Increasing Protein?

[NightFury06]

One of my girls has had her feathers pecked out pretty severely, she had when we got her, but they are taking a while to come in. I heard that if you increase the protein then they grow back quicker. Does anyone know what I can use? I can't post photos with my device sorry, but it's the standard pecking: Saddle feathers and a few off the wings and back. She's not being pecked any more though, as a non-pecking spray quickly deterred them!

 

[Shadrach]

One of my girls has had her feathers pecked out pretty severely, she had when we got her, but they are taking a while to come in. I heard that if you increase the protein then they grow back quicker. Does anyone know what I can use? I can't post photos with my device sorry, but it's the standard pecking: Saddle feathers and a few off the wings and back. She's not being pecked any more though, as a non-pecking spray quickly deterred them!

How much protein does she get now?
A breakdown of the nutrient content of the feed you give would be helpful.
There are lots of posts recommending extra protein feed to encourage feather growth. I have yet to find any evidence that this extra protein makes feathers grow any faster, or stronger than a properly balanced feed at sufficient protein levels for the breed.
Lack of sufficient nutrients in feed can be seen in semi feral flocks and in poorly fed flocks.
The indication of a lack of the correct nutrients is shown by feather bars/stress bars.
Here is a not particularly comprehensive explanation.
https://www.windycityparrot.com/blog/2012/08/23/feather-stress-bars-bird/
There is some anecdotal evidence that moulting birds go off their normal commercially produced feed and prefer other sources of nutrition found free range foraging.
I see this with the heavy moulting hens here. This may suggest that the hen 'feels' she needs something in addition to the commercial feed which while adequate under normal conditions is lacking in something under moulting conditions.
My solution to problem feathering is to supply in addition to a commercial feed, meat and fish which supplies a complete protein (all the necessarily amino acids) plus additional amino acids, minerals and vitamins. I would try feeding a few grams of lean cooked pork and/or oily fish such as sardines or mackerel.

 

[NightFury06]

Thanks

How much protein does she get now?
A breakdown of the nutrient content of the feed you give would be helpful.
There are lots of posts recommending extra protein feed to encourage feather growth. I have yet to find any evidence that this extra protein makes feathers grow any faster, or stronger than a properly balanced feed at sufficient protein levels for the breed.
Lack of sufficient nutrients in feed can be seen in semi feral flocks and in poorly fed flocks.
The indication of a lack of the correct nutrients is shown by feather bars/stress bars.
Here is a not particularly comprehensive explanation.
https://www.windycityparrot.com/blog/2012/08/23/feather-stress-bars-bird/
There is some anecdotal evidence that moulting birds go off their normal commercially produced feed and prefer other sources of nutrition found free range foraging.
I see this with the heavy moulting hens here. This may suggest that the hen 'feels' she needs something in addition to the commercial feed which while adequate under normal conditions is lacking in something under moulting conditions.
My solution to problem feathering is to supply in addition to a commercial feed, meat and fish which supplies a complete protein (all the necessarily amino acids) plus additional amino acids, minerals and vitamins. I would try feeding a few grams of lean cooked pork and/or oily fish such as sardines or mackerel.

Thanks for the help! They have access to layers pellets whenever they want, and have a 2m by 3m run with grass in it. As supplies are short, we had to get a different brand of layers pellets and it doesn't have the list of nutrients. I found a list of nutrients from our usual brand though.

Dodson & Horrell Layers Pellets contain optimum levels of essential fatty and amino acids for good egg size, with calcium and phosphorus to help promote good shell strength.
Also contains natural pigments Lutein and Zeaxathin (from marigold and maize extracts) and Citranaxanthin (as naturally found in citrus fruits), for a deep yolk colour.
Typical Analysis: Protein 16.0% , Oil 3.5% , Fibre 3.5%, Ash 12.5%

It's a widely used brand where I live, so it should be ok... I just want to speed up the feather growth so they don't start pecking her again.

 

[Shadrach]

My view is 16% protein isn't enough. I feed 18% protein minimum and I give meat, or fish 3 times a week. The chickens free range here over an average of 4 acres of mixed grasses and woodland, plus the usual benefits of farm forage.
I understand finding a different feed is difficult under the current conditions in the UK. It is much the same here.
I'm also aware that it is 'illegal' to feed livestock whose produce, or meat may be consumed by humans kitchen scraps etc.
I would try some cooked sardines in the short term. Roughly 20grams a day (approximately one sixth of a standard tin) on top of the normal feed daily for a couple of weeks and see if that helps.
If anyone asks, say they are pets.

 

[sealer39]

Purina Flock Raiser has 20% protein. It’s what I prefer to feed my flock but it’s been hard to get since the corona virus scare. Apparently other people in this area like it too. If you can’t find that you can give them chick starter. It has a higher percent of protein also.

 

[Shadrach]

Purina Flock Raiser has 20% protein. It’s what I prefer to feed my flock but it’s been hard to get since the corona virus scare. Apparently other people in this area like it too. If you can’t find that you can give them chick starter. It has a higher percent of protein also.

The OP did mention the difficulty of finding suitable feeds given the current crisis but otherwise I would agree with you.

 

[sealer39]

TSC had Nutrena Naturewise on the shelf the last time I was there. It’s not as popular apparently. It’s 20% protein also. I just saw the Op is also from England so I have no idea what they have over there. What is left on the shelves over here are the expensive organic chick starters, that’s why I mentioned it. I couldn’t even buy my brand of cat food last week because of the shortages.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I agree 16% is minimum for a chicken in good form.
I feed all my hens 1 1/2 to 4 years old a 18 to 20% Protein feed. Whichever is available, fresh and cheaper.
I am currently feeding a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower 18%. It was fresh, on sale and $2 dollars cheaper than the All-Flock crumble 20% that I also buy.
They're both crumbles and my chickens like both feeds.
But they don't have enough Calcium for laying hens, so I supply Oyster Shells in a separate container.

I can buy Layer feed 18%, but they are $2 / $3 more for a smaller bag, 40 lbs instead of 50. GC

Purina Flock Raiser has 20% protein.

NightFury06 is in England. I don't believe Purina is available there. But that is a good choice. GC

 

[GC-Raptor]

TSC had Nutrena Naturewise on the shelf the last time I was there. It’s not as popular apparently. It’s 20% protein also.

I am currently feeding the Non-Medicated Nutrena Starter-Grower 18% . It was fresh and on sale $2 off. GC