Please help Matilda! Entire flock of Featherpickers? Need advice

[dlhunicorn]

length and width of your tractor (easier for me to visualize) and the number of birds you have (I am assuming you have only the one tractor)

 

[LA~Poulet]

The tractor is ~5 x 12. In it are the 6 hens I mentioned above. We actually have 3 tractors total, the other two have younger chickens of other breeds. I have a 4x6 hurricane fence dog kennel I could use for separating out a couple of the birds temporarily if necessary (if you think it would help) and also an indoor type large dog crate that would work if one hen had to be by herself.

I've seen them try to pluck each others feathers while they are free ranging, so it doesn't seem that space is necessarily the problem, I was thinking that it is more of a bad habit or diet issue.

 

[jmct87]

my hens look like that, my picture really isn't clear - and don't worry that is only the transporting cage they are in under a cover to protect from the elements

 

[LA~Poulet]

I guess my two main questions are:

1. anything specific I need to add to their feed or change about our feed routine-would adding higher protein chick grower be a good thing?

2. How long does a molt last (is several months with no feathers normal?)

I'm trying to figure out if it is just a plucking issue or a molting/diet one as well. I will be ordering the peepers, (thanks again Brindle!) I hope that helps the problem! How long do feathers take to grow back? She (they) won't be bald forever, will they?

 

[Renee]

It sounds like they developed a taste for picking before you got them. The person you got them from may not have known that feather-picking, not molting, was the cause of the feather loss.

The peepers sound like a good solution.

I would not add much protein to the diet. I believe 10% game bird mash 90% layer mash would do it, but I may be corrected by someone.

I don't think they are molting.

 

[LA~Poulet]

Quote:
I think they give square footage estimates in the coop building forum. Don't use my hens as an example, because they were like this when I got them (before they went into the tractor, they had a coop & run)

 

[purpletree23]

Is it possible they have mites or lice? Have you looked the the base of the feathers very closly. A 'dirty' looking vent can also mean mites. It is either that or they need extra protein for a while while they get their strenght back from the molt and the move. Both are so stressful. Throw them a handful of dry cat food everyday and see it that helps. Make sure it is cat food and not dog food.

Keep us posted

Are you on a regular schedule for worming and treating for mites and lice?

 

[LA~Poulet]

Their vent areas seem clean (especially the poor BR who have few feathers there) and I've looked closely and do not see anything like lice or mites, so unless they are really invisible they don't seem to have any. I have dusted them & their bedding with DE.

 

[dlhunicorn]

if you have not had them that long they are probably still adjusting to the new environment / new feed/ etc. and if they were pecking each other before then that is an added complication ... give them time to adjust (and keep up the aviacharge)... TOO much "protein" isnt good (but a cooked eggyolk here and there will do no harm) > you can also give some sunflower seed hearts... you might also try two feeders placed at opposite ends of the tractor to avoid bullying.

 

[LA~Poulet]

Thanks. How long does it typically take feathers to grow back?