4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[peepie]

We got some new chickens a couple of weeks ago and they seem to be settling in OK. Pecky, our old number one has been putting them in their place for the last 2 weeks but yesterday I noticed she was quiet and pretty puffed up. I put it down to her being grumpy at the new girls.

 

This morning I saw a few of her feathers in the eglu and then I've just been out with some treats for them and she shook herself and feathers dropped off all over the place. She also seems to be standing on one leg a lot but ran OK when I brought out the treats. I've washed the foot and had a good look at the leg and there doesn't seem to be anything visibly wrong.

 

Normally I'd just say this is a moult but wondered if it could have been brought on by the introduction of new girls???? Is such rapid feather loss normal and do they go a bit off colour when moulting?

 

Has anyone got a pattern for the little fleecy coats for chickens - I think she may need one if she keeps this up. I saw one once in our local sewing shop asking people to make them for ex batts but they havne't got it there now.

 

Thanks

xxx

[Peachy77]

Morning. Two of my 3 have just had their 1st big moult. One was fine, but the other was feeling very sorry for herself, and was mopeing round alot lot puffing herself up and not eating so much. The feathers have stopped falling out and you can see the new ones coming through and she is slowly getting back to herself.

 

As for the standing on one leg, mine seem to be doing that at the moment to. Im not sure why, maybe they dont like the cold floor. Im sure someone else on here may be able to give a better explanation for this one.

[chickencam]

Just keep an eye on her, if she is eating and drinking she should be ok. it might be worth putting some Lifeguard or similar tonic in her water and giving her some protein treats like mealworms to help her feather regrowth. She is probably a bit put out about the new girls, they do tend to sulk a bit.

 

I have just lost one of my old girls who was half way through regrowing her feathers, but she was a year older.

[peepie]

Just been in to see her and she seems very quiet but then again it is bed time anyway. i know she was eating and drinking earlier as I saw her but her crop doesn't seem very full. They're all snuggled up asleep so I don't really want to remove her tonight but will see how she is in the morning and if necessary separate her and try and give her some extra food.

 

Omlet says that chickens are supposed to be easy....... I think I'm just too attached