Rehomed with red and naked necks

[HollyHens]

Hello everyone
I recently rehomed some retired battery hens and when they arrived they had barely any feathers. They’ve since fluffed up, but a few are still missing feathers around their neck and the skin looks red. Their behaviour is normal and I’ve not spotted any pecking. Is there anything else I need to be doing to help the feathers grow, as I can see new feathers coming through, they’re just very slow to arrive!
Thank you- any advice is greatly appreciated. X

 

[CatInTheHenHouse]

What’s their feed like?

 

[Daisy June]

If it were me, I would immediately put them on good, healthy appropriate feed, give them a couple of hours of foraging time daily, and keep their surroundings quiet and stress free. Of course, there are so many people on BYC who know much more than I do, and you will hear from them soon on your post. Good luck, and enjoy those girls.

 

[Yardmom]

Feeding a feed that has around 20 percent protein may be beneficial to them. Letting them have access to sunlight and greens could boost their systems as well. Don't expect instant feathers. If shafts or partial feathers are still present, new feathers won't grow until after molt.

 

[HollyHens]

What’s their feed like?

They have vermX layers mash and I give them mealworms as treats. They forage in the garden during the day and I shut them into the coop once the sun goes down.
Should I be giving them more protein?

 

[nuthatched]

They have vermX layers mash and I give them mealworms as treats. They forage in the garden during the day and I shut them into the coop once the sun goes down.
Should I be giving them more protein?

What protein is the is layer feed?
Verm x is a snake oil product, yoy need to get a real wormer if you want the worm them

 

[HollyHens]

What protein is the is layer feed?
Verm x is a snake oil product, yoy need to get a real wormer if you want the worm them

I believe it’s 17% protein. Do you have another brand you’d recommend for both high protein mash (as they’re ex batt they don’t understand pellets), and for wormer? Thanks so much. They seem happy enough and I’ve done lots of research but maybe I’m not doing enough for them. I feel bad now!

 

[Yardmom]

Will the eat crumbles? 17 % isn't bad for layer mash. I'm not familiar with the brand you are using, but you are doing great.

 

[nuthatched]

I believe it’s 17% protein. Do you have another brand you’d recommend for both high protein mash (as they’re ex batt they don’t understand pellets), and for wormer? Thanks so much. They seem happy enough and I’ve done lots of research but maybe I’m not doing enough for them. I feel bad now!

17% is good for a layer but since they're recovering, I'd try a chick feed for a few months.
Safeguard is what is usually recommended for worming

 

[HollyHens]

I’ll try them on crumbles or chick feed and see how they go. Thanks so much everyone