Wierd feather issue with egglayers

[elle357]

I have 4 Rhode Island Reds that are layers. They have started losing feathers on their backs, right above where their tail feathers start. But, only hte ones laying eggs. We have been told it is a protein deficiency and so increased the protein in their feed, but no change. Has anyone heard of this?

 

[oldegger]

Little more info might help. How old? what feed? Is there a rooster?

 

[Barnyard]

Do you have a roo? If so then I would think it is because he "really" likes these 4 hens.

If not then It could be a protein deficiency.



I have 6 hens in with 1 roo and there are 2 of my hens that look like that. Like I said my roo likes those 2 girls the most.....

 

[fluffernutter08]

I have two reds that look that way too. I have no rooster so I don't know who's doing it. I made one of mine a fleece vest in the dead of winter last year because she had so much exposed skin I was worried about frostbite. I noticed when i removed the vest for good in early spring some new feathers were appearing and she quickly turned ariound and started yanking them out. What's up with that?

 

[Barnyard]

That would mean that she needs more protein. Oyster shell is good to use to. Just about any thing that is high in protein they can eat. I would start giving them more "treats".

 

[fluffernutter08]

How does oyster shell come? and what kind of treats? they get all the compostable kitchen scraps, extra corn to scratch at and I grow extra melons and squash just for them

 

[Lea71]

I've got the same problem. One out of my nine girls is a bully, feather-eater. She stalks everyone all day plucking and eating their feathers. While everyone is peacefully pecking around for treats, she is obsessed with their feathers. She is currently in a dog carrier (chicken jail) awaiting a new home...I tried separating her for a week and reintroduced her...she went right back to her same ol' behavior. My girls are on 22% protein starter/grower, get a huge bowl of kale/chard with yogurt everyday and have wheat sprinkled about to peck at.....I can't curb her bad habit so she has to go....I'm done trying to reform her.

I'm sad though...she is the prettiest EE but won't keep the peace. We have a pond at a local restaurant/fruit market that has ducks, geese, and chickens all free to roam around....I'm taking her there. Maybe all the other birds and space to roam is what she needs. They have the cutest little bantams and a few silkies roaming around. I hope she isn't mean to them....I don't think the other birds will let her.