Should I cull my hen?

[kathrync]

I have a flock of 7 hens that have had feather picking issues since last spring. I put blinders on them and have given them more space to roam, and have been waiting for their feathers to grow back. Most of them are ok feather-wise, but one of them has been picked so badly, her entire back end of her body is bare and they don't seem to be growing back in very well. We are supposed to dip below freezing next week and I'm afraid she will die from cold.

But, I know a lot of hens are molting this time of year also. So, could there be a chance that her feathers might still come in? How long can a hen can survive in 30 degree weather at night with missing feathers?

 

[Aquira]

Do they have a warm, dry coop to go in to? And maybe a saddle will help your missing feathers hen.

 

[kathrync]

Do they have a warm, dry coop to go in to? And maybe a saddle will help your missing feathers hen.

yes, their coop is well-protected from weather and drafts. But even still, it gets cold in there in the winter.

 

[lomine]

Did you increase the amount of protein you feed to help them regrow feathers?

She should be okay if she is otherwise healthy and the coop is draft free. You can give them extra feed/treats that are higher in protein and fat to help with the extra calories they'll be burning to stay warm. Things like mealworms, grubs, and black oil sunflower seeds.

 

[Mrs. K]

She will be fine. I swear I had a leghorn molt so hard, that she was nearly entirely naked. I thought a predator had gotten in the coop, white feathers everywhere like snow. And it was pretty dang cold. Her feathers grew back, and she was beautiful and fine.

If they can get out of the wind, they will be fine.

Mrs K

 

[Crazy Maizie]

She should be fine, they don't molt when you think they should.
I would not cull unless there is an actual reason - for food or illness that they aren't recovering from - but not for missing feathers.