Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[maryeadrian]

I had to treat my 3 girls for lice. The last treatment was 7 weeks ago. Haven't seen one since and they're all acting healthy and happy.

 

But one of them has a bald bum from the lice. I think she might've pulled her feathers out. Her skin looks like something you'd find in the meat department. None of it's inflamed, but one lower portion is redder than the other spots. She's laying about 4 days then skips a day.

 

How long will it take her to grow her feathers back? I see some little soft ones coming in, but not many. Mostly she has bald skin with no sign of feathers.

 

Thanks for your help!

[Egluntyne]

Are you sure that she is not being pecked by one of the others? Might be worth apply ing some anti peck spray and seeing if it makes a difference.

 

Generally it takes about 6 weeks for the feathers to grow back. A bit of extra protein, such as a hanful of dried mealworms will help.

[maryeadrian]

I do have one who pecks, but somehow I didn' think she'd peck this one since she's head hen. But I think I'll spray her anyway just to make sure. I keep checking for wounds, but nothing. Only skin.

 

Wow. Six weeks means she should be growing those back! Guess something else is going on.

 

I've been giving them raw sunflower seeds, cottage cheese and meal worms for extra protein.

 

Thanks so much for your response!

[The Dogmother]

That ought to help too. Try rubbing her botty with some of the Johnsons Tea Tree Cream (from pet shopa) as this will help to soothe the skin and the feather quills will come through easier as well.

[maryeadrian]

I've never heard of it, but will start checking. Anything that makes the feather growth easier is just fine with me! I'll go look it up. Thanks!