Tombull10 Posted March 14, 2009 Share Posted March 14, 2009 Hi guys, Just another ex batt question for you. I've had my 3 girls since 7th Feb. 2 of the girls stopped laying almost straight away and have grown a complete new set of feathers and look fab. The 3rd has laid practically every day since we had her but hasn't grown a single new feather and still has bald patches. Is this normal?? I thought that she would've grown her feathers back by now. She is eating well and very active so otherwise healthy. I've been feeding mash but am now starting them on pellets and they free range for a couple of hours each day. They love their treats of dry corn a they also have poultry drink in their water. Any advice greatfully recieved!!! Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 14, 2009 Share Posted March 14, 2009 one of ours took almost 12 months, I wouldn't worry. Try some life guard poultry tonic, that's good for featherage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted March 15, 2009 Share Posted March 15, 2009 I got mine the same day. Both are starting to grow feathers but are far from covered yet. One is laying daily, the other rarely and only softies. But their combs are reddening beautifully Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol U Posted March 15, 2009 Share Posted March 15, 2009 I think they find it difficult to lay eggs and grow new feathers at the same time - it takes too much calcium etc., which is why they stop laying after a moult. Feeding them extra protein seems to help - some poultry spice, a bit of tuna, or even cat food in small quantities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted March 15, 2009 Share Posted March 15, 2009 Carol U said: I think they find it difficult to lay eggs and grow new feathers at the same time - it takes too much calcium etc., which is why they stop laying after a moult. Feeding them extra protein seems to help - some poultry spice, a bit of tuna, or even cat food in small quantities. yep had mine 10 months & my one litle girl only just getting fully featherd now, and she just laid and laid bless her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillmcc Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 Why not try feeding the new ExBats range from Allen & Page's Small holder range? Alot of people on the forum are very enthusiastic about it. I have some ordered for the ex batts I am collecting at Easter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Had my six 10 months and Daisy top-chook has only just got tummy feathers and is still lacking knickers, but my totally oven-ready Joy is now a proper fully-feathered hen, along with the other four. Dandelion stopped laying for 5 1/2 months, then suddenly started again in January, while all of the others have laid continually. They each seem to take their own time to fill out and get their feathers back, so I shouldn't worry too much. The ex-batt feed is great though - mine have had it for 6 weeks now and seem to be doing very well on it . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 Hi We have had our ex batts since July last year and in January this year, one of them still had a very sore looking area by her tail with big patches of no feathers at all. The vet said it was doubtful that they would ever grow back as the quill could have become damaged whilst she was in the battery farm. However, somebody on the omlet forum recommended using tea tree lotion (for animals) which I bought and started using late Jan. Having applied the cream faithfully every day to the effected areas, feathers have grown in all of her bald places including her underneath and by her tail ! I am delighted with the result and so is Dorothy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 Me too only a May release. Used all sorts to calm, but little Moe is sporting a lovely pair frilly knockers now but only since this Feb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...