[Mystery] Balding flock of Brahmas

[dawg53]

I think they could use some more room. To me it would be fairly easy to expand your coop. I'm kinda used to it lol.

 

[HiEverybirdy]

Is it possible they're getting too much protein? I don't know how that would even relate to feather loss, but 22% sounds high for grown birds, even big ones like Brahmas.

I was feeding ours 20% until they were a year but have reduced it, particularly when it became clear how petite hatchery Brahmas can actually be (our hatchery Buff Brahmas are only slightly larger than our EEs!).

 

[HiEverybirdy]

Also, I have these hung all over the run for ours for when they can't get out as much as they like. They're easy to stuff with veggies. Gives them something else to peck

https://smile.amazon.com/EZ-Fill-Suet-Basket/dp/B000795Y64/

 

[BrahmaMama207]

Also, I have these hung all over the run for ours for when they can't get out as much as they like. They're easy to stuff with veggies. Gives them something else to peck

https://smile.amazon.com/EZ-Fill-Suet-Basket/dp/B000795Y64/

Yes! I do that, though I’ve rigged up a bigger grate from an old toaster rack. Thank you @HiEverybirdy !

 

[BrahmaMama207]

Is it possible they're getting too much protein? I don't know how that would even relate to feather loss, but 22% sounds high for grown birds, even big ones like Brahmas.

I was feeding ours 20% until they were a year but have reduced it, particularly when it became clear how petite hatchery Brahmas can actually be (our hatchery Buff Brahmas are only slightly larger than our EEs!).

I’m feeding them what our vet (who has a flock of 50) recommended for them.

I’ve been watching more closely for pecking- and it’s subtle - but that’s def what’s happening. Bored Brahmas! We can fix this!

 

[BrahmaMama207]

I think they could use some more room. To me it would be fairly easy to expand your coop. I'm kinda used to it lol.

Come on over @dawg53 ! lol

 

[MomJones]

Good morning, friends! On the whole, the flock is thriving. This is my 3rd year raising them. We have light, dark, and buff Brahmas. Six altogether. Two are bantams.

All but the light Brahma, Emily, are losing the feathers on their heads.

Aside from Hilda having lost some feathers on her back to Ruth’s pecking, I’ve not seen them pecking one another’s feathers

Their vents are healthy and fully feathered

I cannot find any mites on their bodies or in the coop

They self-serve dust bathe in sand, ash and diotamaceous earth

What on earth could be causing this?? Many thanks for your help

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Hi, I too have Brahmas and I have to say you have a really impressive regime with the ash etc. Mine are losing back feathers but otherwise are healthy. Drives me nuts trying to figure out if it's the roo's or mites or what. Anyway, I'll be following your progress.

 

[BrahmaMama207]

I think they could use some more room. To me it would be fairly easy to expand your coop. I'm kinda used to it lol.

It’s been over a year @dawg53 and I’m circling back to say you were right. I added a big yard - another 625 sq ft- in which they range all day every day. Mystery solved. They were bored and needed a bit more space

For ages I’ve been meaning to circle back to say thank you

THANK YOU @dawg53 !!!