dance in the dark Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 The topic title says it all really. I have a one year old speckldy who, as I mentioned in a another topid, is currently moulting. the moult has hit her hard and she lost a lot of feathers in about two days, they have started growing back, but she keeps pecking herself. the other's aren't pecking her (at least no more than usual, pecking order permitting). I have never had one of my moulting hens do this before, should I be concerned? Or is it not unusual behavior? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 The only thing I can think of is that to regrow feathers takes a lot of protein...feathers contain protein,so she is pulling them & eating them to gain protein. Bit daft,but thats chickens for you Try upping her protein intake & see if that helps (live mealworms,tuna in springwater etc) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 Poor little thing......She may just be pecking at the sheath that covers the new feathers to help them unfurl.....They must irritate when they are coming through.....Some of mine get very crabby when they are moulting and be quite miserable.....Upping the protein in a good idea to help things along. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dance in the dark Posted March 1, 2012 Author Share Posted March 1, 2012 Thanks for the advice, I have been giving her extra protien since the first feathers started to fall (in the form of cat food). she hasn't done herself any actual skin damage so maybe I am just over reacting a little... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
