My flock is going bald and I don't know what to do...

[ChurchRdangi]

Hi,

I have about 25 chickens that have lost most of the feathers on their bums and backs. Some have started losing the feathers under their wings. I have dusted them with permithin (sp)and misted them with the liquid version. They are quite pitiful and have started causing large sores on each other. I don't know what else to do. I have sprayed their laying boxes, the coop and the roosts. I have been spraying them (or dusting) every other day to no avail. Please help.

Thanks,
angie

 

[magsrags]

Oh the poor things and you for the worry. Hope someone can lend a hand as I can't answer.

 

[Cetawin]

Are you sure it is a pest problem? Could it be them picking at each other? They will pick and eat feathers when they are not getting enough protein, too crowed or bored. Are they confined all the time?

More info would help us help you.

 

[sebright guy]

yeah sounds like there peckin eachother. is it crowded? our rir do the same thing.

 

[ChurchRdangi]

Ok I hadn't considered it could be over crowding or a protein problem. What do I need to do for the protein? I don't feed much scratch just corn. They do get out to "run" about 4 days a week for about an hour but that is it. Now that they have picked each other is there anything I can do to cover their poor pink bums?

What is a good flock for a 10x20 pen?

Thanks for the info.
angie

 

[Jenski]

ChurchRdangi, where are you located? Are you in the northern or southern hemisphere? . . . is it spring or fall where you are? If it is fall, you may simply have molting hens.

 

[buffy st. marie]

I have a 10 X 20 run and have 7 girls. Their feathers will return if you increase their protien. This site has many suggestions for that such as sunflower seeds or dry cat food (mine like it soaked in a little water). They need to get out and peck and scratch. Mine looked very feather picked after a long winter in the coop and are much glossier and feathered out since the protien increase and more playtime in the garden.

 

[LynneP]

I'd cut out the corn immediately , offer them a commercial blend suitable for their age- and you MUST get them out more than that- every day for a substantial time.
Birds are frustrated and attacking each other as a result.
If possible get the flock divided into two or three groups.
See if you can spot the worst offenders and get them away from the most submissive ones.

 

[Laffindog]

Sorry to hijack this thread but just a short question. When does molting generally occur? I notice one of my standard hens is beginning to have a bare spot on her back (closer down to the tail end) and thought it was from the banty rooster but my husband says it's because she's molting. Any thoughts is appreciated and again, sorry for hijacking.

L