Self-feather plucking!

[Rt66Kix]

It's dark on the AM and PM when I'm in the henhouse. Today I was actually there in daylight, and was shocked to see this!!!!

I need advice for a long-term fix, as well as short-term for the nekkid barred rock. She's the worst...a few more have just some feather loss on the tops of their wings. I have 1 rooster and 33 hens in a 12x21 henhouse with run-out. How can I keep her warm when it's in the 20's at night? I know she's roosting with the flock. Thanks!!!!!

 

[HollyWoozle]

It looks to me like your chickens are moulting, a natural process, and already growing new feathers in. I bet they’ll be feathered up again in no time!

 

[Friendly_Lurker]

You need to feed more protein!

 

[SulkyBantam]

YES. moulting. And protein helps

 

[Rt66Kix]

YES. moulting. And protein helps

I know a few months ago some of them looked a little raggedy, but not like this! And isn't the first of December a little late to moult? I'm located in St louis, missouri, USA.

They get 16% layer feed pellets from TSC, and lots of table scraps. Any other suggestions? Thank you everyone who's replied so far!

 

[SulkyBantam]

Well, the only other idea is bullying, have you seen signs of this?

 

[HollyWoozle]

Sometimes they do just seem to do it at wacky times!

 

[Rt66Kix]

Well, the only other idea is bullying, have you seen signs of this?

Not really. I had macaws and Amazon's and other types of parrots for years, so I'm familiar with that sort of bird. What bothered me about this particular Barred Rock hen is that it is all over, and by the regrowth of pin feather length it looks like it happened in a very short period of time.

 

[SulkyBantam]

Keep an eye on it, keep us updated and good luck!

 

[Rt66Kix]

Keep an eye on it, keep us updated and good luck!

Do you think I need to take any precautions to keep her extra warm at night? They roost several feet off the floor. Maybe one of the chicken sweaters I keep seeing on Etsy?