Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Re: [CHICKENS-101] help with sores..../follow up

 


Thank you, Cathryn. May I ask a couple of follow-up questions?
About the extra protein. I have been feeding my hens layer feed. I was under the understanding that that had everything they needed in it. Is that wrong? Do I need to be concerned about giving them extra protien all of the time? Or is this just something extra that may be needed because of the rough winter?
Thank you so much for all of the helpful info!
 
 

 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2014 6:03 AM
Subject: Re: [CHICKENS-101] help with sores....

 

My guess/gut reaction is that your chickens saw blood in feathers growing in and are hungry for protein.  Did you cover the wounds with blu kote?  I hope you are in a colder climate so flies cannot lay eggs in the wounds causing fly strike (maggots will eat your chickens alive). Your chickens need more animal protein and nutrients which is why they are going after the feathers.  I'd add red cell or similar to their feed each day (the amount they will eat) at a tsp-2tsp per 2 pounds.  After a week back off to 3 times a week for two to three weeks, then back off to twice a week and stay on the schedule.
In between I'd add protein to their diet: scrambled eggs, cheap mackerel, left over roast, a cup of small puppy kibble for 4 hens, et....
My 2nd guess would be an opossum in your coop since the holes are by their vents if your coop is not predator proof.  If it is, back to the above.
How many in ? coop?  Crowding can make your chickens peck blood feathers too.  Mostly I have seen this when they need nutrients and protein.


Cathryn  rainbowsilkiesTM  in  Michigan







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