Regrowing feathers outside of molting

[BrandonVercnocke]

I had some feather picking issues when my flock first came of age and started laying. I have corrected it with additional space as well as higher protein feed.

I was expecting to see regrowth of feathers but I have not.

My question is, do chickens only grow feathers in the molting process or can they generate them outside that time?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I had some feather picking issues when my flock first came of age and started laying. I have corrected it with additional space as well as higher protein feed.

I was expecting to see regrowth of feathers but I have not.

My question is, do chickens only grow feathers in the molting process or can they generate them outside that time?

Can you post some photos?

If the feathers were broken off (not plucked out cleanly) and the shaft is still intact in the skin, you will not see new growth until molt.

 

[Henriettamom919]

My docile hen had her tail plume feathers bitten off early on in our flock dynamic getting established and they don't regrow until molting season unless the feather, shaft and all, is ripped cleanly out.

When the time comes make sure to up their protein to help with new feather growth; you can either up the gross maximum in their feed to about 20% or supplement with pre made feather growth products or add high protein treats like cooked eggs, most fish and meal worms/grubs.

Good luck and I'm sure she'll be beautiful again in no time!