My SLW has feathers Plucked from her back...

[redtailross]

What do I do...Should I isolate her from the flock? I have two roosters to 12 hens...

She looks a little sore, its red and I don't want the other Chickens to start pecking at her... I have a white cochin who just loves a bit of chicken mutilation at times.

thanks again!

 

[chickbea]

Most likely she is the "favorite" of one or both of the roosters and is enduring more than her fair share of the mating. You can give her breaks from the roos every now and then to give her time to heal, or you can also make or buy her a little saddle (some people call them aprons) to wear that will protect her from the roosters treading her. Several folks on here sell chicken saddles and you can also find patterns if you are good at sewing.

 

[Judy]

You can also make one with nothing but a scrap of polarfleece or sweatshirt fabric and a pair of scissors:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=167

Scroll down near the bottom of the page. I didn't even add the hole for the tail, only the two for the wings.

You cal also spray the area with BlluKote and the others won't bother/peck it. About $6 for a bottle that will last a long time.

 

[redtailross]

what is BluKote? And where can I buy it?

Thanks Guys,

Poor Old Girl...she is pretty though...Well she was before the boys took her feathers!

 

[chickbea]

You can get BluKote at any farm supply store, and even many pet shops.
I've never had to use it myself, but I know many folks swear by it.

 

[Wynette]

Sidebar: if you have one that's taking part in "chicken mutilation" as you say, you MAY need to feed a bit more protein. It could be an indicator that they're not getting enough. I'd personally aim to solve the issue in addition to treating the outcome. You may also consider adding things to decrease boredom. Especially if they are not freeranged. I rarely freerange mine, so I do lots of things to make sure they are not bored, such as hanging a cabbage for themto peck at, I have a hanging suet feeder that I stuff healthy treats such as greens into for them to work at...they get a treat and it takes them time to get it out, thus decreasing boredom. Just little things like that can make a world of difference!

 

[redtailross]

They are not free ranging at the moment as we have a slight fox problem...but when I can be sure it has been taken care of Ill let them out! I lost 12 chickens just a few weeks ago...
We are still recovering.

great idea on the habitat enrichment, Ill get right onto that today, I have access to cabbage and a suet feeder.

Thankfully they are just having a go at the one hen at the mo...but I'll add more protein too, as this might help my egg eaters.
Thanks!