Miss feathers, any thoughts?

[spangles403]

Just noticed this this morning, 3 of my 4 hens have it. It's been super cold in Pa, not sure how that could impact this?

 

[sourland]

It looks as if hen # 4 is feather plucking/eating. Do a on site search on Pinless Peepers.

 

[spangles403]

Is there a cause that could be addressed? Would the peeper things need to be on her forever?

 

[sourland]

Feather picking is frequently a result of boredom and surfaces when chickens are confined to a smaller area because of weather conditions. It tends to become a bad habit. Hanging a cabbage or Flock Block so they have something to peck at may help, adding protein to the diet may help. Frequently once the feathers have regrown and close confinement is no longer necessary, the peepers can be removed and the bird will behave itself.

 

[spangles403]

Thanks! I'm working on a larger coop. They don't have a big roosting area and as I've never seen them plucking I suspect it's happening during the night. Peepers may be what I need temporarily until I can get the rest sorted. Very helpful response!