Picked up 13 16-month old hens yesterday from an old farmer. These poor girls were in a coop that was kind of dirty with old food on the floor, old water and what looked like dust in their food bowl rather than mash. The girls were so frightened of everything in trying to get them boxed one actually flew into the wall and broke her neck. Being new to this, and not thinking like a 'farmer' only an animal lover, I rescued the rest of the flock.
Now I have them in my coop, hoping to get them outside into the daylight later today. Some of the hens look alright but others have bald spots on their necks, backs, etc. Old farmer told me this was 'normal molting' but they look a bit odd. Only one has pin feathers coming in, and the others are right down to bare skin.
Any info/help would be appreciated. I feel badly for these girls and want to get them healthier and happy if possible.
Now I have them in my coop, hoping to get them outside into the daylight later today. Some of the hens look alright but others have bald spots on their necks, backs, etc. Old farmer told me this was 'normal molting' but they look a bit odd. Only one has pin feathers coming in, and the others are right down to bare skin.
Any info/help would be appreciated. I feel badly for these girls and want to get them healthier and happy if possible.