I have a hen that the first time i used her for breeding she plucked the babies but the breeding cabinet was in my back room where she got disturbed alot. I now have a breeding room away from the house and she is always laying eggs from the perches. Could i try her again to breed with or because she has plucked her chicks will she always do it no matter about the environment? I would really appreciated some advice because i am wanting to put some pairs together .

Once and plucker, always a plucker

 

However, you could use her again if you really like the chicks she produces ( she's roxy's mum??) . Make sure you have fosters available to care for the chicks from the moment plucking starts. You could also try the glass door on the next box which helps the hen feel more vulnerable and less likely to pluck.

Edited February 23, 200916 yr by **Liv**

Thanks Liv, the hen i am talking about is Roxy,s mum and i would love to get another chick the same colour as Roxy so that is why i wanted to try her again. I am putting 5 pairs together but they are all first time breeders so i am a bit apprehensive about using a hen that might need the chicks fostered out when i do not know if the other hens would accept the chicks.

I dont agree with once a plucker always a plucker. It isnt always like that.

If a hen was of a high standard I would use her again. I have had many plucker and I have always found them to be good feeders. I don't mind a little bit of plucking as the feathers grow back during the first moult. The worst plucking is when the feather follicle is damaged.

I agree with Kaz and RIP I have pluckers to and I ahve had nest where they have plucked one nest and not the next one or visa versa.

When I do get a good plucker I leave the babies with her till they are about 2 weeks because that's when she starts plucking and then I foster them out.

I agree with Kaz and RIP I have pluckers to and I ahve had nest where they have plucked one nest and not the next one or visa versa.

When I do get a good plucker I leave the babies with her till they are about 2 weeks because that's when she starts plucking and then I foster them out.

 

thats a good idea splat

 

you tryed putting chilly sauce on chicks head this works i know as my unkle does this

I have had a hen who didn't pluck her first round but then did her second.... I believe conditions play a big factor.

 

If you are ready to monitor closely and are happy with the new surroundings I say give it a go! :rofl:

Thanks for everyones advice, i will give her another try then and hope she goes better this time. i am a stay at home mum so i have plenty of time to monitor her. i am only breeding pet types at the moment while i am learning more about mutations so she is not a high standard hen but she is the only spangle hen i have to breed with.