The Saga of Gigi continues

[jarmanschicks]

It's been almost 2 weeks since I last asked for guidance as to how to help my bullied molting hen. After I found her badly beaten up by other hens I isolated Gigi in the garage with a heat lamp and a high protein diet. My husband and I cleaned her wounds, covered her with Blu Kote and wished for the best. I really thought she would grow her feathers back quickly and I'd be able to re-introduce her back to her pen and coop within a couple of weeks. But, instead of moving forward I've now noticed that she keeps picking out any tail feathers as soon as they start growing. I consulted with a worker at the farm store where I buy the chickens' food and he suggested I slather some bad-smelling and bad-tasting lotion on the back side of her. This has not stopped Gigi. Her tail is still as bald as when the other girls were plucking her feathers out. She also seems incredibly anxious. What am I doing wrong?

 

[Chickadee-23]

Im not realy sure what its called but u can go on strombergers.com website they have this metal thing u put on them to stop pecking and they can still eat their food, and plus to help her grow her feathers back quicker and prettier give her some dry seafood flavor catfood i give to mine when they are molting hope this helps, when i give this to mine they dont ever molt to bald they lose some tail feathers and few others about u can try it idk maybe someone else have better answer good luck!!

 

[christinea]

I think making a saddle or apron would help. If you do a search on BYC for saddle or sweater you can find patterns and pictures. Some even make them from polar fleece for warmth. Good luck with Gigi.

 

[Traphill]

Have you considered letting her roost with her flock at night but during the day put her next to the run so that she is with them but no one can pick at her. I also use this method when there is a bully, a week of chicken jail and when they go back into the flock the pecking order changes.

 

[subhanalah]

Have you considered letting her roost with her flock at night but during the day put her next to the run so that she is with them but no one can pick at her.  I also use this method when there is a bully,  a week of chicken jail and when they go back into the flock the pecking order changes.

in order for this to work, you separate the bully. I don't think it is just one hen being the bully here.

I agree, either blinders to stop her self mutilation or a saddle. There's a chicken diaper/saddle place online that also sells the blinders.

 

[subhanalah]

The universe brought this across my browsing path, and I remembered this thread. Have you checked her for parasites?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/mites-lice-treatment-and-prevention