Red Skin

[Judy]

I have read on BYC that when chickens pull feathers to eat them, they need more protein in their diet.

 

[mylilchix]

Ugh!! I don't know how much more protein I can give them. They get 16% layer pellets and a steady supply of BOS.

Sonja

 

[HBarker]

any idea where to get soybean meal??

or reccomend best booster source?

 

[HBarker]

Well heck guys.. We separated the 2 we THOUGHT were doing most of the feather eating,, Now everyones eating feathers
.... lets see 18 birds. 55 feathers per min.. 23,760 feathers a day,,
I must ask no,, How many feathers is on one a them boogers ?????

 

[mylilchix]

A good friend of mine suggested to me today that I should give the girls meat. Since it's cold, they're not eating the bugs they're used to. They may just need meat. I'm trying that tomorrow.

Sonja

 

[HBarker]

Any results yet with the meat??
I have been feeding mine black oil sunflower seeds. seems to have slowed down the feather picking,, but man
I should call my hens rhoad island redasses .. all there buts are beat red .. Help!

 

[mylilchix]

It actually has been helping. They're not getting it everyday, but whenever I have meat scraps it's going to the hens. I'm noticing some feather growth on some of the hens, and the ones that had wounds those have all healed. I think feather growth is just slow because they're still laying, so their energy is going to that. I've also been giving them a mix of layer pellets and game bird fed to up their protein. Hopefully my poor birds will start looking better come summer. Good luck!!

Sonja

 

[HBarker]

oh man they are just not getting any better , HELP.
I think I even notice a new smell.. and its not a good one..
a few of my hens only have wings.. and have lost lots of feathers. all the way to the tail , and even some of those. all them have beat tred buts and backs.. I just dont know what else to do ;(

 

[mylilchix]

Have you tried dusting for mites? They could have those and that's what's causing the feather pecking. Clean the coop out really well too. My only other suggestion is to find out who the top hen is and watch her. If she's to blame culling her may help.

Sonja

 

[MarlaKaye]

Hey you all, I clicked on this because one of our handsome young roos is shaking his head and picking at his neck feathers, When we examined him, his skin is BRIGHT RED. I'm not sure if his whole body is... can't remember. Note: I have trouble with memory.

Dh dusted him right away. Didn't see it on any of the others but will check today.
We haven't had trouble with them picking at each other that I know of. Will make a note.
Have you seen the Turkens red necks. That is what it looks like. I could say it is bright red as the comb on his head too.
The shaking his head is looking like a neurological condition. He is a bantam cochin, and the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in one. Wish I had a picture, he is sweetest gentleman and has goldlaced look.
He is hanging off a bit from the others, which is unusual for him. Don't see any insects on him. ARE mites visible to the naked eye?
If it is time of year....hmmm
I know what I am saying is not same as some of the symptoms you are saying, but this bright red skin is wierd. Is it possible that it has nothing to do with the other birds actions, this seems to have started with the roo, so I ask myself, will it spread to the others....Lots of questions, not many answers.

BTW, our chickens are fed a 20% feed, supplemented with hi protien dog food and get lots of grain, and greens. The hens are laying an egg everyday, and all seem healthy otherwise. They are all quite healthy looking! Terrific feathering. I'm at a loss to explain this.
Yours in this great big effort, MarlaKaye