Red sex links - Free hens just received. Losing feathers

[nealj]

4 free red sex links i picked up about 2 weeks ago.
They are approximately 9 months old, laying pretty normal.
When i had picked them up they had a lot missing feathers on there back and around there vents. I had originally thought that it was just a really bad case of pecking/cannabilism as the were pecking at these areas and even drawing blood.

I separated the worst one into her own cage. She was the one pecking the others the most and was the one bleeding. Since the separation there has not been any abnormal pecking, only a normal amount that chickens will do, but they have all gotten worse and don't look great.

Is this some sort of bugs??? Mites or something? They are separate from my main flock of 10 and they have all been fine.

I am just wondering what this can be. I had really thought that it was really bad picking but non have gotten better. Here are 2 pictures of one of them, she is the worst, but it doesn't look like picking any more.

 

[21hens-incharge]

What feed are you using? How many treats are you giving?

I see a lot of new feathers trying to grow in. The area that has feather damage looks like there was a rooster in with them.
Those new feather shafts will draw attention from the other birds. Have you heard of hen saddles before? You could make some to cover them up while feathers regrow.

Make sure you are feeding at least an 18% protein ration as sex links tend to need more protein.

Do you have oyster shell in a container so they can eat it if they need it? Grit is also important to keep available.

 

[nealj]

So those dark shaft of feathers are new ones growing in your saying? they just looked really gross and not good so thats why i became concerned, and thought that it wasn't picking. If you are saying that those are new feathers coming in then maybe it was just picking.

They came from a home that defiantly did not take care of them at all, neglected in a back barn and never cared for. Was hoping to get them better and get there feathers back in.

They are completely quarantined. Only the 3 hens together, and the 4th on her own. They do not get any contact with any other hens or roosters.

Feed is a normal layer feed, and they have free access to oyster shells and grit.

Thanks for your help!!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Those feather shafts have a lot of blood in them. That is why they are so dark.

To check for mites take a flashlight with you and pick them up after they have gone to sleep. Flip them over and pare the belly feathers all the way so you can see the skin. Do the same check under the wings, along the neck and by the vent. If they are infested you should be able to see them.

The new feathers growing in are uncomfortable and tender so be careful when handling the birds.

You can give them a protein boost by feeding them some canned mackerel, boiled eggs or even small amounts of cat food.

 

[nealj]

Okay that is GREAT!!! Thanks so much for the advice.

I will get a protein boost for them tomorrow and hopefully that will help them. Glad to get your advice.

Anyone else with any more advice i will gladly accept it!!!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Most folks are busy with Thanksgiving.

I will tag a few very experienced folks to see if they can add anything.

@aart, @casportpony , @azygous , @Wyorp Rock , @sourland

Did I miss anything?

 

[lazy gardener]

21 Hens pretty much nailed it. Incr protein, and extra time. Give them plenty of opportunity to engage in stress busting behavior: a bale of hay to poke around in, deep litter in their coop/run, those feather shafts are a good thing to see. Means she's healing.

 

[sourland]

Those pointy, stubby little things are blood/pin feathers. They will grow, shed their sheaths and become new feathers. Definitely start them on a high quality diet, and good luck with them.

 

[azygous]

Those photos look like normal molting to me. Hens beginning molt look dreadful. They feel awful, too. It's not a walk in the park, shedding and regrowing new feathers. It's a real drain on their reserves, and many lose weight and act ill, listless, and out of sorts.

I lay in a supply of canned mackerel for my flock of two dozen and feed them a can every few days during molt.

If you see any picking going on, you can disguise the bare spots and paint over the pin feathers with Blu-kote. I doubt you have a lice/mite problem, but lice will be visible on the skin around the vent, and you should be able to see mites at night on the roosts with a flashlight.

 

[nealj]

That is great thanks everyone!!! I went looked up the mites and lice and went out and looked out at them tonight. Don't see any signs of bugs. They must just be going through molt and had a picking problem. Looks like i just have to give them more time to heal.
I will be sure to give them extra protein, and keep them on a good diet.

21hens-incharge Thanks so much for everything!!