Not An Emergency... Feathered Feet Problem

[Let There Be Light]

Hi, I have two Mille Fleurs that I recently introduced to the flock. They now free range with the rest of the flock but the feathers on their feet are breaking and it looks painful. We haven't been able to cut the grass, but the chickens pat it down. Is there something I can do for their poor feet? Or could it just be because they're molting and getting new feathers?

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Hi, I have two Mille Fleurs that I recently introduced to the flock. They now free range with the rest of the flock but the feathers on their feet are breaking and it looks painful. We haven't been able to cut the grass, but the chickens pat it down. Is there something I can do for their poor feet? Or could it just be because they're molting and getting new feathers?

Do you have a picture? Are there only feathers on the ground or actual bloody broke feathers attached? Are you sure your others aren't pecking at their feet? If you look closely broken feathers will have a little blood where they broke off and if it's from molting there shouldn't be blood.

 

[Let There Be Light]

Do you have a picture? Are there only feathers on the ground or actual bloody broke feathers attached? Are you sure your others aren't pecking at their feet? If you look closely broken feathers will have a little blood where they broke off and if it's from molting there shouldn't be blood.

I will try getting pictures by tonight.
They are losing feathers due to molting, but the problem feathers are actually breaking and bloody. I don't think my other chickens are pecking their feet, but I do have a mean bantam hen (only mean to new chickens)... I haven't seen her trying to attack since they were in the "see no tough" phase, though.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I will try getting pictures by tonight.
They are losing feathers due to molting, but the problem feathers are actually breaking and bloody. I don't think my other chickens are pecking their feet, but I do have a mean bantam hen (only mean to new chickens)... I haven't seen her trying to attack since they were in the "see no tough" phase, though.

Unless you have very rocky and rough terrain I would be worried it is your other hen. If your mille fleurs are the only feather footed chickens you have their feathered feet make them a target because they look different and they weren't part of your original flock which essentially puts two bullseye's on them.

 

[Let There Be Light]

Unless you have very rocky and rough terrain I would be worried it is your other hen. If your mille fleurs are the only feather footed chickens you have their feathered feet make them a target because they look different and they weren't part of your original flock which essentially puts two bullseye's on them.

We have a gravel road but that's it. I have three feather footed chickens, all are new, and only my mille fleurs are having problems.

 

[Let There Be Light]

It was really hard to get good pictures. I was only able to catch the girl (the rooster is scared of my hands). But the feathers weren't bloody when I took the pictures, only this morning, so that's great!