2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[tannerhill]

I have had 3 hens since october last year, they have been up until about 3 months ago all fine, however the largest one appears to be the healthiest, she has full plumage where as the other 2 look very scrawny, they have lost many feathers on part of their chests, I have tried stop pecking spray in case that is the problem but doesnt seem to be any better, The feathers seem to be broken off as can still see the quill left in some parts, the skins is a bit red, but cant see any mites, they live in an eglu which is enclosed in a large area, they free range for at least 2 hours a day. I wonder if the biggest one could be a bully toward the other 2, also one of them has not laid for quite some weeks., and her crown has never grown either but she is soooo sweet. They are fed a good quality layers pellets, corn also have treats of tuna fish in water, tinned sweetcorn, many greens, pasta, brown bread they are all eating well, but I am very concerned as to the condition of the feathers, I also use horse cider vinegar in water as instructed, and poultry spice.

Anyones help would be greatly appreciated, i was even thinking of taking the large hen back to where we bought and hope this may give the other 2 a chane. Thank you in anticipation

Tannerhill

[C&T]

Are they just moulting? Can you see new feathers growing back?

 

Are there any signs of the feathers that have come out? If they are scattered around the run, then at least they are not being eaten.

 

If you are sure your main hen is plucking the other two, then maybe try bumper bits? I've never had to use them (yet!) but others have used them with success.

[The Dogmother]

It sounds as if you have a feather puller on your hands! I'd fit the culprit with a bumper bit or exclude her until the other have recovered.

 

They need more layers feed in their diet and less treats, especially no carbs (pasta and bread) as those are just empty calories for hens. keep them on a high protein ration for a month and add a good poultry tonic to their water. I suspect that once they are no longer bullied, they will pick up.

[tannerhill]

Thank you for the replies. There are no feathers to be seen in the run or eglu,Like you say I will stop feeding carbs, what would you say would be the best to feed them to give them a bit of a boost, will segregate the offender and hope they come on as they are so lovely . Once again Thank you!

[The Dogmother]

I'd give them regular layers pellets or mash as the main part of their diet (80-85%) with extra dried mealworms or gammarus shrimps for the protein they need to grow new feathers. Cod liver oil is always a good supplement as is Alfalfa. I always add Life-Guard tonic to the water when mine are moulting or under the weather.

 

Good luck.