Obsessive Feather Plucker!

[FourHmom]

I have a 14-week Splash Ameraucana who has been obsessively plucking the tail feathers of all the other hens. She is the only chicken with tail feathers at this point. It started in the brooder with nibbling the ends of feathers, but has gotten much worse to the point of needing to rehome her. I have her separated for the time being when not free ranging. We have a large run 10x14 run for five chickens, feed Scratch and Peck Grower, grubs, etc., and have a mixed flock. She pulls feathers from everyone, including the other Splash Ameraucana and our rooster (though he won’t tolerate it).

I posted an honest message on FB and have found a new home for her with the same size run, hens 1-3 years old, mixed flock with rooster, no free ranging. Will rehoming her stop her behavior??

 

[SandyRiverChick]

Probably, because they will feed her differently. If you don't want to re-home her switch up this diet dramatically. She likely is not getting enough protein.

 

[FrostRanger]

Not necessarily. It's possible that she was just more predisposed to feather plucking for some reason. I did look up the feed, and that protein is quite low. Feathers are protein so she might be feather picking 'cause she's not getting enough protein in her diet. I'd switch to either a chick feed or all flock with 20% protein at a minimum

 

[SandyRiverChick]

all flock with 20% protein

Agree and I think it's worth a try, sounds like a good bird. I use Kambalch 20% all flock and I've never had a feather eater, many years, many chickens.

 

[FrostRanger]

Agree and I think it's worth a try, sounds like a good bird. I use Kambalch 20% all flock and I've never had a feather eater, many years, many chickens.

I use kalmbach flock maker myself, it is indeed a very good feed!

 

[FourHmom]

She goes right for the tail and pulls out big long tail feathers and leaves them on the ground. Not eating them. Although I do see all the chickens occasionally eat little feathers that are lying around. I fed her Purina chick feed for first eight weeks. Will up their protein, but still need to rehome her. This is what she did to our Welsummer.

 

[SandyRiverChick]

eat little feathers

More indication of not enough protein. If you have a can of cat food or tuna handy, you could feed that to all today and see if no feathers are eaten to test the theory. Sounds like you're set on getting rid of her though so I hope she finds a lovely new home.

 

[FourHmom]

Really? Curious to know what part gives you more of an indication that it is protein deficiency? The photo or something else I said?

 

[FrostRanger]

Really? Curious to know what part gives you more of an indication that it is protein deficiency? The photo or something else I said?

Birds often feather pick when they don't have enough space (your run is indeed huge for 5 birds so no issues there) or protein. 17% is also on the low side for chickens and especially for growing birds. Many birds do OK on it, but others really struggle with so little protein. That said, since it is a habit of hers, in addition to upping protein I would separate her for a week or 2 and perhaps pinless peepers (not sure if they can be used on a bird that young though. If someone else wants to chime in on that)

 

[SandyRiverChick]

Really? Curious to know what part gives you more of an indication that it is protein deficiency? The photo or something else I said?

You said that in addition to the one plucking and eating feathers, the others "eat little feathers." To me that is more indication that need more protein. It certainly can't to hurt to increase protein and you'll probably notice increase in egg production if that has been the problem. I've never had good luck with 16 or 17% feeds. My 13 hens do not eat little feathers, I think their needs are met with the feed I'm using. It really does make a difference. Years ago I decided to try to make my own feed, and I found out just how important good feed is when my whole flock suffered nutritionally.