MY CHICKENS ARE PLUCKING THEMSELVES TO DEATH

[gluckgluck9000]

Hi everyone so one of my chickens has been plucking all of her feathers for a while now. Then they both started doing it so I got them saddles, which they have completely pecked though. I have used 2 different types of picking/plucking solutions and neither are working. One of the solutions turned my birds backs purple (thus the odd color on fritz). I went to check on them this morning and there are feathers EVERYWHERE in their coop all of which are fritz (yellow). I am running out of solutions and don't know what to do.

Can anyone please help me with this issue, one of my chickens doesn't even have a tail anymore

UPDATE: I LET MY CHICKENS OUT EVERY MORNING TILL NIGHT TO ROAM MY YARD, IT IS LARGE.

Liz

 

[SulkyBantam]

Do you have a roo?

 

[Aapomp831]

What are there living conditions? Do they have enough room? How much protein are you giving them?

 

[gluckgluck9000]

Do you have a roo?

no they do not have a roo, just them two.

 

[gluckgluck9000]

What are there living conditions? Do they have enough room? How much protein are you giving them?

For two chickens I thought this was enough room, they seem happy and lay everyday. Also I feed them lay mash, I do not have the bag right now with the ingredients though.

 

[LaFleche]

Do you let them out daily to roam about your yard and scratch and stretch their legs or are they incarcerated in this minute space all the time?

 

[SBFChickenGirl]

I can think of two reasons:
1. Boredom. They need more space
2. Protein. Feathers are high in protein and when a chicken starts eating them, it could be a sign that they need more protein in their diet.

 

[LaFleche]

Welcome to BYC!

Hopefully we will be able to help you with this issue.

 

[Aapomp831]

For two chickens I thought this was enough room, they seem happy and lay everyday. Also I feed them lay mash, I do not have the bag right now with the ingredients though.
View attachment 2444466

View attachment 2444467

My only guess is that’s way too small of an area and they are bored to death. Once a chicken creates a bald spot they become obsessed with that area and will continue to pluck....

 

[KingD]

That cage would be good for a family of quails but really you need a bigger cage for the hens. Either that, or you let them out for a free roam all day