Tail feather pecking problem

[CluckinClegg]

It may fix itself, with proper care. Many farm stores do sell no-peck spray or ointment. You coat the feathers in key areas, and when they grab feathers, they get a mouthful of nasty. You can probably get some off Amazon.

Thanks, I’ll give it a try. I do think things are improving some since they have a better situation now.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Can you post pics of the gal with feather issues? We can identify a lot of things just by looking. She might even be molting.

Never chase your gals... get them after dark with a flash light! Those head lamps are so great. And get those roosts in as soon as you can. You might have to teach them to use them or it may happen automatically.

Aww, we tried soooo hard to move to the central coast when we lived in the valley. Visited often... Happy we ended up at the North coast (about 3 minutes to the sea)... but fond memories still.

I don't use gloves. Doing it in the evening with the flashlight makes it easier to see critters running away... part the feathers below the vent and on the abdomen until you see skin. You can also look at the base of feathers for eggs clumps. Another indicator is the skin should be fairly light pink in color, not red and angry..

https://the-chicken-chick.com/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification/

 

[snow5164]

I find even at dusk the hens are easier to handle , once they can’t see they won’t react to being picked up .

I don’t wear gloves either just wash real well after up to my elbows

I would think over time you could rehabilitate them , they were neglected by not having space and anything to do .

Give them roosts , two food stations so they don’t fight . I find multiple smaller feed/water stations makes for a happily flock .

Also go get a few logs or branches for them to climb on ,

Enjoy your rescue birds ,
You’ve given them hope of a happy life !

 

[CluckinClegg]

Thanks, peeps! If it is mites, what method of removal do you recommend? I see many different methods of treating, but which works best?

 

[aart]

Thanks, peeps! If it is mites, what method of removal do you recommend? I see many different methods of treating, but which works best?

Permethrin dust or spray...works for lice too.
I don't think the feather loss is from bugs...but....

When you check them over real well for mites and/or lice....

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).