My eco solution to rat problems

[Scottie]

Our new chickens arrived about 10 days ago. One of them, Bunty, a Cream Legbar (only 13 weeks) had had some feathers pulled out of her head when she came to us, just behind the wee "hat" bit she has. She is certainly the bottom of the heap when it comes to pecking order and although I haven't seen any pecking or feather pulling going on, these head feathers don't seem to be making any appearance at growing back. Each day I check her as closely as I can - she's still very timid - and although the skin round the area is pink, there's no sign of blood or anything.

 

Do feathers take a long time to grow back in?

 

Should I be putting anything on the area to stimulate growth?

 

Thanks for your help

 

Sheila

[Egluntyne]

I don't think there is anything that would stimulate the growth by applying to the area.

 

A bit of extra protein in her diet might do the trick.

 

Rinsed, dolphin friendly tuna, scrambled eggs, organic cat food.

 

After a moult feathers take about 6 weeks to grow back. I imagine it would be similar for pulled ones.

[Christian]

We had a bit of feather pulling when ours first arrived. Laverne had a bald patch for a year until she moulted and is now back to stunning beetle black feathers all over

[mayflower]

Poultry spice in their layers mash plus lifeguard in their water. These promote feather growth. It should'nt take too long to grow back......the feathers will suddenly be there one day......not unless she is being pecked there all the time.