Really Bad Feather Plucked Chook how do I stop it

[Ridersutton]

First, are you serious about saddles or was that a joke....?
Second, I have one hen (pictures a few replies up) that is just getting worse. I got Rooster Booster - Pick-No-More lotion and she DOES NOT like it at all. The first day she squirmed and made a whole lot of noise as I was applying it, the second day she actually started pecking at herself to try to get rid of it. I figured out which hen is doing it, but I cannot watch her all day to try to make her stop, and the lotion didn't seem to help the two days I used it anyway. I don't want to keep putting my girl through discomfort if its burning her or something, especially if it isn't helping, but I'm not sure what else I can do... Any ideas...?

 

[thomas333]

What about worms? I think thats why my girls were plucking feathers. Lack of protien.

 

[pwand]

Dust them for mites. If they are lacking protein, they eat their feathers. Also over crowding and if a light is on all night and its bright can cause this.

 

[pwand]

Here's a good link.
http://fowlfacts.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=afflictiondiseaseff&action=display&thread=1236

 

[NovaAman]

The hen pictured needs an apron/saddle. She actually looks like she's being mated a lot. Do you have a rooster? Looks like rooster damage. Then the other hens will pick at the new heather shafts as the grow in... Cover her with a saddle. There are designs on BYC for making them. Also... Feather picking... Up the protein. You know which hens are doing it. Separate them out. Feed a hi pro feed, game bird feed is usually 24-26% protein. Turn of the lights in their coop, slow their egg production. Might be, since its winter and they'd NATURALLY slow down to laying maybe an egg or two a week, or less during these months, which gives their bodies a chance to recover... And their bodies are working hard to survive winter... Forcing them to lay by adding light, is forcing their systems to use more protein than a typical 16% layer feed provides. Where are they gonna get it? Feathers, eggs...

Good luck.

 

[Cross2Twins]

Thanks he is has got some new plumage but only the fluffy stuff hope he gets better

 

[Ridersutton]

I don't have a rooster if it's mine that you're thinking is rooster damage... I have oyster shells in their feed along with crushed egg shells. I am not using light in the coop at all, so all egg laying is done by their natural telling. I'll look into a saddle. Thanks!

 

[NovaAman]

Have you treated them for mites? There are mites that you will not find on the bird. They attack them at night time while they are roosting. Other wise, I would think you need to up their protein, put saddles on them, and maybe pinless peepers for the bad girls who are feather picking...

 

[Cross2Twins]

Um Yes they came mite treated @novAman

 

[NovaAman]

Sorry, I should have been specific on who I was asking... I was asking Ridersutton if the birds have been treated for mites since there is no rooster to do damage. I understand that Cross2Twins has that rooster who's being de-plumed...

About the fluff coming back in, totally normal to get the down first and then the actual feathers. Kinda like how a chick starts out. Covered in down, then the actual feathers. A plucked bird will re-feather the same way.