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A chicken without feathers..... #494016

Asked November 09, 2018, 5:22 PM EST

We have a hen that is without nearly all tail feathers and without feathers on her head. This has been a persistent issue for at least 6 months. I am pretty sure this is not a molt given the duration of time and lack of recovery. I have tried zip dust on her as well. Please see attached photo. Hopefully you can help me with a diagnosis and treatment. Thanks, -Don-

Deschutes County Oregon

Expert Response

The bird is probably being picked by pen mates.  There are "anti-pick" salves available at the feed store that will help healing but mostly they taste bad so other chickens will stop (slow down) the picking.  Beak trimming (remove about 1/4 of the upper beak) of all the birds will work as well however, loss of production may occur and the beaks will grow back and picking will resume.  Removing the bird from the group will work, but re-introducing the bird back later will be difficult, fighting with generally result.  Feather picking is hard to fix, persistence will help.

 

James Hermes PhD Replied November 13, 2018, 2:27 PM EST

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