What is the Condition Here??

[Judy]

Quote:
I hadn't thought of any of this -- good ideas!

What my reading has resulted in is a phasing out of scratch, a little increase in BOSS, and a switch from layer to grower, because around here that's how I can get a bit more protein in the feed without its being medicated and without driving 60 miles for feed. Our local layer is never over 14%.

 

[Whimsy]

If it is a protein issue, you can feed canned tuna, meat scraps, scrambled eggs. I also throw a little dry cat food in my feed mixture.

 

[dsqard]

Yes that does look like feather picking. I have one that is not even at the top of the pecking order that loves to do this. She is real sneaky about it too. She waits until the "target" is busy eating and then jumps in and picks a feather. I have been feeding them increased protien feed and have added peanuts to their scratch (25% protien) and have also added a Flock Block to the coop. Hopefully this will help. I really think it is more of a boredom thing with my pullet and I am hoping that now that we are starting to get a little warmer and I can let them free range some more, she will lay off the others feathers. If not, I am thinking of getting Pinless Peepers for her or I might try making some of those saddles.
ETA - I read on another thread that someone put Bag Balm on the area and the taste of it discouraged the feather picking. I have some of that and all I have to do is remember to put it on.