Obsessive Feather Plucker!

[aart]

Your tail plucking pullet may change her ways at her new home.....or not. Chances are she'll be the bullied one there.

I'd guess she's just neurotic rather than it being a diet related issue.

Oh, and your other 14 week olds should have another molt coming so new tail feathers should grow back in.

 

[FourHmom]

Thanks everyone! I gave the flock a can of tuna yesterday free choice and interestingly the two Ameraucanas were the most interested in it. I’ll look for a better feed with higher protein. How much protein am I looking for? They are 14 weeks old and currently on grower feed.

We put up a smaller coop and run so we can isolate the feather plucker, but she was so distraught when I put her in there that I was worried she was going to injure herself pecking at the hardware cloth I took her out. I currently am putting her in a cage inside the large run so she can be with her flock, but is still separate from them.

Also, I’ve wondered if she’s bored.

 

[FourHmom]

I looked up Klombach as two people recommended and there are so many varieties it’s overwhelming. Which is best? I’m partial to organic and soy free for my own health reasons since I’ll be eating the eggs, but those are 17% protein. Also, since all are 14 weeks, except one who is 16 weeks, should I just switch to layer feed now?

 

[SandyRiverChick]

This is what I feed with Oyster shells offered in a corner feeder. I feed this at all ages. I've gone through many different brands/types in past years and arrived at this is what works best for my flock. Sorry I spelled it wrong initially, It's Kalmbach 20% flock maker crumbles.

 

[FrostRanger]

Since you have a rooster, I wouldn't switch to layer feed ever as layer feed is bad for roosters and any other bird that isn't laying. Just have oyster shell available on the side for anyone who needs the extra calcium

I like to shoot for 20% protein and what @SandyRiverChick recommended is also what I feed my flock (although I feed pellets rather than crumbles 'cause I personally detest crumbles due to being messy and the bucket port feeders I use wouldn't work well with crumbles. Choose whatever you prefer though, it doesn't matter much, crumbles and pellets are the same nutritionally)