- Oct 31, 2009
- 6
- 0
- 7
We have adopted a 1 (to 1 1/2 yr old.) Black Japanese Bantam hen that had been kept in a run with probably 15 to 20 roosters. She was the only hen in the group, and I think spent most of her time perched on the highest spot she could find. She is missing all of her tail feathers, but otherwise seems healthy. In fact, she has been quite happy to let us hold and cuddle her since we brought her home. Her tail looks horrible though, feathers look plucked (or ripped) out, some just missing, others look broken off and bloody.
I did observe her eating a few of her small feathers that came off her this morning, but I think she is probably missing her tail due to either feather picking (by the roosters) or stress. She is eating well and drinking. Poop is normal. We have her separated from our flock in a 3 ft by 4 ft pen we keep in the garage that we previously used for raising chicks this past spring.
What would be the best way to get her tail feathers growing back? Any suggestions on diet supplements, vitamins, etc... Would it be a good idea to give her starter/chick feed with antibiotics for a white in case the tail becomes infected?
Thanks for any suggestions.

I did observe her eating a few of her small feathers that came off her this morning, but I think she is probably missing her tail due to either feather picking (by the roosters) or stress. She is eating well and drinking. Poop is normal. We have her separated from our flock in a 3 ft by 4 ft pen we keep in the garage that we previously used for raising chicks this past spring.
What would be the best way to get her tail feathers growing back? Any suggestions on diet supplements, vitamins, etc... Would it be a good idea to give her starter/chick feed with antibiotics for a white in case the tail becomes infected?
Thanks for any suggestions.