3.6m Omlet Chicken Run for sale, Brand New in Boxes, Milton Keynes (MK19)

[numpty2009]

Hi

 

My two, Flora and Dora are unfortunately having a bad time of it due to the weather as they have been in their run more than normal. This is because I can't let them out to free range unless I'm in the garden as we have daytime foxes (already lost one during the day).

 

One of them (I think it is Dora) has stopped laying, but I've put that down to the rain but I've noticed the other one is now missing feathers on its chest. Has anyone any ideas?

I've read bits about boredom but also other bits about protein missing from their diet. Their diet hasn't changed but I suppose if they have less time free ranging then theres less worms.

 

Has anyone any ideas for both problems?

Thanks

[chicken bark]

It sounds to me more like Dora could be broody. They pluck their own chest feathers out to 'feather the nest'. Is she spending more time than usual in the nesting box?

[numpty2009]

yes she is.. and not actually producing anything after a rather large amount of noise. She is just over a year old is this the normal time for these things?

[Mollie333]

Sounds like shes broody.

Heres a picture of Effy, growing back her lost feathers after being broody.

If your thinking about hatching, its way to late, you're looking to hatch around the May- April.

[sparkysmum]

Another vote for broody, I'm afraid. My araucana is also broody once again Lots of advice on the forum on how to break it. Personally I lock her out of the run. I'm not very popular at the mo.

[chicken bark]

Your best bet IMO is to break the broodiness. You'll need to put her in a wire cat carrier or dog cage for a few days (nights too) and have it raised on bricks so the cool airflow underneath her, coupled the fact she can't get comfy, should help break the broodiness.

 

Sounds mean but if you don't want to give her eggs to hatch it could be the best in the long run. It all depends on how determined a broody she is. A really determined broody can make herself ill.

 

Good luck with it - it is not as bad as it sounds. One of my hybrids has been in the cat carrier a couple of times this Summer.