Not an emergency, just need tips

[clintdaniels83]

I recently aquired new chickens, that have been kept in a small cage. Needless to say that their feathers took a serious beating. I thought I would just ask if anyone had any tips on how to get those feathers back fast.

 

[realsis]

Feathers are protein so it might help to increase her protein level in her feed. I know you can supplement with food grade sterilized bone meal for extra protein . you can put it in there food and perhaps that will help. Any way you want to increase the protein will work. Some feed cat food some feed tuna I use food grade bone meal for an increase. Its up to you. What ever you chose. The increase should help with the growth of her feathers. Hope this helps and best wishes to you.

 

[haylee]

I agree with what realsis said, I would definitely up her protein. Maybe even feed her some grower feed with oyster shell on the side if they are laying. Grower feed is a lot higher in protein than layer feed (if that is what you're feeding them). Bone meal sounds like a good idea, too. Protein will make the feathers grow in stronger, healthier, and more colorful, too. Think about human hair, without sufficient protein hair is brittle, dull, and thin. And if our hair goes through damage, it uses the protein we consume to grow back healthy again.

 

[clintdaniels83]

I am currently doing layer, and oyster shell. I think I will look into bone meal.