Grow Your Own Magazine

Hi all,

I've got a bald chicken. On the 26th of Feb I got some ex batts, they are fantastic and all very happy. I have noticed though, that one has not really grown her feathers back as well as the others. She is happy and has a huge crop, but is still very bald and has red skin. I think she may be being pecked??? Though I've not seen any of the others doing this???? I've put some vaseline on her in the hope that it will sooth her skin and put the others off... have I done the right thing? Bearing in mind I really don't think she is being bullied - I def would know if this was happening.
If anyone has any ideas on how I can get this hen some feather would be appreciated.

Cheera
Sal

lots of patience I think if shes not being bullied, put some poultry spice in their feedfor a bit of boost and just give her time and keep an eye on her.

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Yo an' Bob
Walk lightly on the earth
take only what you need
give all you can
and your produce will be bountifull

I also got 6 ex-batts about the same time as you. 4 of them are looking fantastic but the other 2 still have bald patches. I've noticed that as soon as an area looks like an un-shaved chin (on a fella!) then it's only about a week or so before the feathers come through. The "baldies" are so loving, and 1 of them is definitely the big bossof the flock. Don't worry, time and patience I think are the answer

Thanks for the posts, I'll keep my eye on her.

Hi Sally. Four months is a long time for hens to regrow a coat. I was wondering how your chooks were getting on. I picked some ex bats up a week ago and wondering how long before they start to regrow their feathers. When I picked them up I was advised to dose them with red mite powder as there was evidence of lice in the flock. SFSG they're looking healthy and happy. When I go to feed them, they follow me around so closely it's hard not to step on them

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http://www.weltaf.co.uk/
Why keep a dog when you can bark yourself !

Having had ex-batts my advice would be don't worry.

The skin may be red because it has been exposed to the sun, a bit like their combs and wattles colouring up once they get outside.

As for their feathers, I had one who never fully feathered up in all the time I had her, but she was healthy, happy and laid plenty of eggs.

Hope the above helps allay some of your concerns

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Save the earth - it's the only planet with chocolate

Thanks ChrisB. I'd thought about them getting sunburn as they have probably not seen the sun before so I'm keeping them in a shady corner until their feathers grow a bit.

__________________
http://www.weltaf.co.uk/
Why keep a dog when you can bark yourself !