New & Question about No Neck Feathers on Some Chickens

[Schooners]

I'm new here and have searched other articles about chickens with no neck feathers. At first I read up on molting, but this has lasted for about 2 months. Last week it was in the -40's so I'm more concerned now with cold weather. I've not seen any pecking by other chickens. Suggestions?

 

[nuthatched]

What do you feed? A protein boost is very helpful for molting birds

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Could also be plucking if they don't have enough protein or are cramped

 

[SilverBirds]

Welcome to BYC! Thanks for joining us.

Have you checked for mites/lice? Whether the issue be from molting, plucking, mites, or something else, increasing their protein will help her regrow new feathers. Of course, if you do find any sort of parasites, those will need to be treated as well.

 

[Schooners]

They are on 17% layer feed. They get grubs, yogurt, scratch, grit, some greens and pecking block. Should I make a change?

 

[Schooners]

I have 3 different breeds and two of the three breeds don't have this happening.

 

[SilverBirds]

They are on 17% layer feed. They get grubs, yogurt, scratch, grit, some greens and pecking block. Should I make a change?

You may be overindulging in the treat department. How often are they getting them? Treats should be fed in moderation, making up a maximum of 10% of the bird's diet. Too many treats can disrupt the nutritional value the birds receive from their regular feed and can cause unwanted behaviors such as plucking, along with other problems. I would stop feeding all treats for a few weeks and see if anything changes.

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. The Best of Luck with your Flock! And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska.

 

[Schooners]

You may be overindulging in the treat department. How often are they getting them? Treats should be fed in moderation, making up a maximum of 10% of the bird's diet. Too many treats can disrupt the nutritional value the birds receive from their regular feed and can cause unwanted behaviors such as plucking, along with other problems. I would stop feeding all treats for a few weeks and see if anything changes.

Thank you so much for this recommendation. Too much Christmas spoiling! I've been giving them something extra each day: scraps from the kitchen (watermelon, spaghetti squash, carrot peelings and tops, bean ends, meat trimmings... I'll stop for a few weeks and watch the result.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC.
I have a few naked necks, that are bred to have little to no feathers on their necks. I'm in a warmer climate, but we have occasionally dropped into the single digits with windchill just a little below 0. My naked necks have been fine. Of course, that is nothing near as cold as your weather.
I'd just keep an eye on them. Keep watch on their combs. Combs may get pale when molting but should not be blue or purplish.
Chickens love sardines and the extra protein can help them grow feathers. You could make a treat of canned sardines 1x a week.