My plan to improve how I care for my flock

[Debs55]

Their bare skin does tend to turn red when they are active in the burning sun.  Another thing about them replacing feathers om a bald spot, is that when the blood feathers come in the others in the flock may pick them prolong the bare spot.

Thanks. Some of them have saddles on for that reason and I try to keep them covered with blu kote or anti pick lotion

 

[Debs55]

I would put some pallets up on cement blocks, so that the birds can go under for shade or roost up on top. I would also add some tree branches, and some other roosts in the run. A box in the kitty corner to a corner, allows birds to get away from each other. Mine really like the different heights, and hideouts. I would also put out old hay, or a an alfalfa bail and let them scatter it, and peck through it.

Mrs K

Those are some really good ideas. They do have shade under their coop which they hang out in but I like the idea of adding tree branches

 

[cwcochran1961]

My birds were looking the same as yours. I did have a very aggressive rooster, who we re-homed. I treated them for mites which I did not see but suspected. Then I began to give them treats of the Black Oil Sunflower seeds daily, and any other thing with high protein, since feather picking is due to need for protein. and their feathers are coming back really fast and they are fattening up nicely. Good Luck!

 

[Debs55]

I've tried giving black oil sunflower seeds and after going through a big bag I didn't see an improvement. Our feed store doesn't sell them so I can only get them when I go into town and they are quite expensive there. I think I'll get another bag though and try them again

Some pics after I added some grass clippings today:

They loved it!
Also, about the idea of putting a pallet up on blocks for shade. I have a shady corner in the run that I think would be great to put a pallet in cause the shade doesn't come out very far but adding the pallet should help. But I have honey suckle on the side of my pen its never been a problem before but will it be a problem giving them more access to it?

 

[cwcochran1961]

Try to get them as high protein feed as possible to promote feather growth. made a huge difference in mine almost immediaely. I also realized that DH was feeding them to much bread and it was affecting the amount of good nutritious feed they were getting. I mix laying crumbles from Southern states and fine cracked corn. After the girls were looking so sickly, I changed the amount of pellets vs cracked corn they were getting to include more pelletts and less cracked corn. I think that has also helped. Lots of greens . Mine mostly free range during the day so they get lots of yummy bugs for protein too. Bought some bait crickets and fishing worms at walmart the other day and threw them in the pen! The went NUTS!

 

[Debs55]

Mmk adding more protein to the list! I wish I could free range my birds but there are so many predators. We have hawks fly over every day all day just watching the pens

 

[cwcochran1961]

yeah not a good idea with the hawks, they will get your birds. Ive lost two from those buggers!

 

[Debs55]

Yep so unfortunately they have to be penned up

 

[lazy gardener]

Have you given them fermented feed yet? You might try buying a bag of multi-flock starter to mix in with your regular layer ration. That would give them a nice protein boost. If you do, you might need to add extra calcium as the multi flock starter may not have as much calcium as the layer pellets. You'd have to check the nutrient analysis. Also, birds can have worms without you actually seeing evidence. You might be able to take some of their droppings to the local vet to get that checked. It shouldn't bee to costly to do that.

 

[Debs55]

I will probably give them the fermented feed tomorrow if it is ready. And as for worms I'm going to use ACV. I've read that works as a dewormer. Thanks for the reply!