No tails and some bald backs and other spots.

[FarmerGirl101]

Well, I just introduced the new 6. These are the older 6 that had these issues with just them. It didn’t start once I had all 12. It was like that for over a year with just 6 of them

Treat for mites then and I would switch to a higher protein feed to help with molting since it has been going on for a while. 18% protein minimum with 20% protein ideally. Chick starter/grower has 18% and all flock has 20%. Make sure you have oyster shells on the side when doing that.

 

[Hannah J]

Treat for mites then and I would switch to a higher protein feed to help with molting since it has been going on for a while. 18% protein minimum with 20% protein ideally. Chick starter/grower has 18% and all flock has 20%. Make sure you have oyster shells on the side when doing that.

I already have oyster shell out for them 24/7. I don’t know that I can afford bagged feed from stores because it gets so expensive so fast

 

[Hannah J]

I already have oyster shell out for them 24/7. I don’t know that I can afford bagged feed from stores because it gets so expensive so fast

And can I just use the permethrin that I already have? Is that an effective way to treat them

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Well, I just introduced the new 6. These are the older 6 that had these issues with just them. It didn’t start once I had all 12. It was like that for over a year with just 6 of them

Who is the best feathered hen(s) within that group of older 6? These would be the likely suspects for feather picking and/or mounting.

Observe during the day to see who is doing the picking/plucking, watch at night if possible. Hens will pluck their neighbor's butt feathers, groom their neighbor's necks, mount them and make the saddle area bare...

Love the windows in the coop, great ventilation!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I haven’t ever seen mites on the eggs, on me, on the chickens, or in the coop.

You should be seeing mites (or lice) in the coop, on the chickens, on the eggs or even on yourself if there's an infestation.

But yes, you Can use Permethrin based poultry dust or spray to treat the birds and housing.

And can I just use the permethrin that I already have? Is that an effective way to treat them

 

[FarmerGirl101]

I already have oyster shell out for them 24/7. I don’t know that I can afford bagged feed from stores because it gets so expensive so fast

Good on the oyster shells. That's ok for the bagged feed. You can always supplement protein with cheaper sources of protein that make financial sense for yourself. Canned tuna can be an option. And it is fairly cheap per can especially if you get it on sale.

 

[Hannah J]

Who is the best feathered hen(s) within that group of older 6? These would be the likely suspects for feather picking and/or mounting.

Observe during the day to see who is doing the picking/plucking, watch at night if possible. Hens will pluck their neighbor's butt feathers, groom their neighbor's necks, mount them and make the saddle area bare...

Love the windows in the coop, great ventilation!

My most feathered hen is aspen, she is the smallest, dumbest, most clueless one and I could bet you all my money that she isn’t doing it. She doesn’t give a care in the world about the other chickens, she just stands around all day looking like she’s drugged. and I have watched hours during the day and at night on the cameras and there’s absolutely nothing.

 

[Hannah J]

Good on the oyster shells. That's ok for the bagged feed. You can always supplement protein with cheaper sources of protein that make financial sense for yourself. Canned tuna can be an option. And it is fairly cheap per can especially if you get it on sale.

How often do I give them the tuna and how much at a time? I have the 6 big ones and 6 little ones and I would have to feed them separately since they don’t love being near eachother. Is there a good way to give it to them? Just in a bowl or something?

 

[FarmerGirl101]

How often do I give them the tuna and how much at a time? I have the 6 big ones and 6 little ones and I would have to feed them separately since they don’t love being near eachother. Is there a good way to give it to them? Just in a bowl or something?

Once a week maybe? It doesn't need to be every day. A can or two is fine. You can put it in a bowl or mix it into a mash with their feed. However you want to feed it.

 

[Hannah J]

Once a week maybe? It doesn't need to be every day. A can or two is fine. You can put it in a bowl or mix it into a mash with their feed. However you want to feed it.

I just wasn’t sure because of high mercury in tuna. Is that an issue?