The Poultry Keeper

penguini · Joined: 15 Oct 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Forest of Dean

Hi,
As a poultry novice I'm looking for a bit of advice here.

I have 2 former meat hens in the garden, they were acquired from the local poultry farm when they should have gone to slaughter and have amazingly survived this long. We did have 3 but a fighter plane went over one day with such a noise that the poor hen just keeled over there and then.

We know that they are not going to be the most long lived of birds as genetically they're all over the place, however we are concerned about one of them

Her feathers seem to be breaking off. The base of the feather still seems to be in place but all round her head down her neck and I've noticed around her rear end the feathers seem to have broken off. I've watched her in the run and she doesn't seem to be pulling them herself, nor does the other hen..
Any ideas gratefully received.
Thanks

debcat · Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2005 4:45 pm Post subject:

Hi,
she's most likely moulting, this is the right time of year
do the bits left resemble a hedgehogs spines?
Some hens only moult a few feathers others seem to loose most of them. The spiky bits you can see are the new ones starting to come through
Hope this helps
Debs

NannyP · Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2005 7:22 pm Post subject:

Yes, this sounds like moulting, which is entirely normal but pretty scary looking.

Shocked

Another couple of months and she'll look better than ever, with fresh, new feathers Very Happy

Lisa · Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2005 9:00 pm Post subject:

Panic not! It does sound like a moult. I found it pretty scary the first time mine did it too - and I was expecting it Laughing

You might like to give them some extras to help them through it (growing all them new feathers can take it out of them). Something like Apple Cider Vinegar and/or garlic in their water, or poultry spice in their food etc. There's lots like that. I'm sure others will recommend their favourites too...

Good luck - do let us know how they get on!

Lisa

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

Welcome to the forum penguini.
I sort of expected them to moult in the summer rather than in October. My poor wheaten maran is losing feathers by the pillowcase full and still giving me an egg every couple of days ~ I give her a big thank you as it must all be a bit trying for her. I have a few that are looking a tad shabby ~ it's only now that's happening that I realise that some are in their 2nd year.
Hope your girl comes through looking beautiful soon.

penguini · Joined: 15 Oct 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Forest of Dean

Big Thanks to all of you for your replies.

I had thought about moulting but didn't expect it to look quite as severe, poor little mite, hope she doesn't get too cold!

I had a been wondering (doh!) what all these feathers were doing blowing around the garden. I had a really good look at her today, she was looking at me slightly unsure, and what I thought were the end of feathers are indeed new feathers, allbeit small.

I've read up on the apple cider vinegar thing which sounds a good idea for her. Thanks again for your advice, I'm sure I'll be back

Penguini

NannyP · Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2005 11:18 pm Post subject:

She probably won't like being handled during this time either. I think it must feel uncomfortable, it certainly looks it doesn't it?
Laughing