My poor chickens look just terrible.

[JeepChicken]

I've read several posts about chickens who have lost their feathers -- 3 of my 4 have completely bald backs now and the 4th one looks like she's on her way. The rooster is fine. They've been that way most of the winter -- burrrrr! I treated them several weeks in a row with DE back in January, I keep their coup clean and dry, I can't see any bugs, and the skin doesn't really look irritated....

Then I read a post that it would be a protein deficiency keeping the feathers from growing back. Could that possibly be all it is and will black sunflower seeds or a handful of cat food a day take care of it? That would be too easy!

Wild pigeons and other birds mix with my chickens in their yard. Could that be a problem?

They are great layers still and the eggs are yummy, but I'd hate for anyone to see the pathetic looking chickens they come from!

Suggestions, anyone? Thanks.

 

[Lothiriel]

I'd say it's the roo. All the jumping on the hens' backs for the mating...

Just my opinion though...

 

[FLOWERPOT]

Its probably because of the roo mating with them. He will hold onto them with his tallons on their back

 

[Tuffoldhen]

It's probably your rooster... I take mine out and give the girls time-outs from them...

 

[Josie]

People around here have made duct tape saddles for birds in similar condition. It will protect them until their feathers grow out, but you may keep having this problem unless you get more hens or rid of the roo. (I vote more hens!

)

 

[gumpsgirl]

Just another reason for my flock to be roo free! Good luck with it!

 

[chcknrs]

I second that vote!

 

[chickflick]

it's the roo....i have several chickens that look like that. ordered saddles for them but what i got was unusable. how many chickens do you hve? how many roos?? you may have to separate the roo...or better yet, get more chickens so yoy have a 10 to 1 ratio. excuse my typing...doing it one handed,

 

[JeepChicken]

Thanks for all the quick responses. Seems unanimous that its Ruster, the roo. I tried to get my husband to do him in as soon as I realized he was a roo and not a hen, but alas, he just didn't have the heart to do it. Maybe I can find him a home somewhere else.

Thanks again.

 

[Josie]

Here is a link for duct tape saddles.