RIR with no back feathers

[MsBagawkbagawk]

I have one RIR that is a GREAT egg layer. Since she has always put so much energy into this, she has never been the prettiest bird (how it almost always works out). I just noticed when I got back from a 3 day trip that her back had almost no feathers. It had always been really ragged, but no there is nothing. I don't think she gets a lot of attention from the roosters, so I don't know what caused this. She is not molting either. I put her in a separate pen and I'm currently feeding her 25 scratch/75 layer. Is there anything I can give her to promote feather growth. I appreciate it!

 

[Sylvestor12]

Extra protein from meat and oily seeds like sunflower. Feathers stop growing well when constantly but shortly "worked" on.

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

"worked" on?

I have some cooked steak leftover, should I give her that?

 

[Sylvestor12]

Sure, worked on as in rooster claw scraping a little.

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

Okay, I'd never heard it called that. I have a saddle to put on her, but it's 105 out here and I don't want her to overheat.

I'll give her that steak...

 

[Sylvestor12]

It's not an official term but I wasn't sure what to call it.

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

I usually call it being "jumped on", but I can still through people off with that one. What is the official term? Besides "mating" of course.

 

[dawg53]

I agree with Sylvestor12, sounds like she might be one of the roosters favorites for treading. An apron will work, or you can seperate her for a week or so if it's too hot. Inspect her for lice and mites as well just in case.
I recommend feeding her gamebird feed. Regular layer feed contains 16-18% protein. Gamebird feed contains 22-26% protein, which will promote feather regrowth in time. Once her feathers regrow, wean her off the gamebird feed back to the regular layer feed. It's also possible the feathers wont regrow til after molt. Gamebird feed will help with that as well.

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

I'll see if they have a little bag of gamebird feed at the store. She doesn't have lice or mites, since I treat them every 2 weeks, or whenever I see traces of lice or mites.

Also, treading is the term then. I couldn't figure out a good way to put it.

Thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate it!

BTW, this is irrelevant, but your motorcycle is awesome.

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

It was the ducks. They were chasing her when no one was watching. I separated them and she is doing better now.