I have 6 chicks 2 of the chicks which are 16 days old and are being plucked, I think but they are defantly losing there fluffy feathers.

 

What do I do?

This never happened last time, I have put it down to stress because she has more chicks than the last clutch.

 

A picture

As you can see they are incredibly bald they backs were completly feathered.

I would swap the oldest chicks into another nest if possible. Another option is removing them and hand feeding them, or a third option again is to remove the mum and let dad continue feeding chicks. It will be hard on him and i would advise you not to do any more rounds with either parent for a good long while.

 

Let us know how it goes.

I agree with Dean. I cannot think of any other option.

I agree with Dean too

is this her second clutch of the year?

I found this worked with one hen, we lined the boxes with seed. Yes you have to change the seed on a daily base but as soon as we did this the Hen stopped plucking. Another idea was we got stop pick from the local pet shop and rubbed a little on their backs and this also stopped the mother. But if you can foster them out then that would be the best option I think

Good idea about the seed AV. I didnt think to mention it because its automatic for me! I always put seed and millet in the box once the oldest chick is around 2-3 weeks old. Makes for less trips for food and babies can pick at it themselves.

 

Seed in the nest box may just be the right distraction for the hen right now, seems like she's stressed.

Edited April 27, 200916 yr by KAZ

is this her second clutch of the year?

 

 

Yes I'm stopping her after and removing the cock after chicks have fledged

is this her second clutch of the year?

 

 

Yes I'm stopping her after and removing the cock after chicks have fledged

I believe you will have to remove her sooner.

I dont think the plucking is that bad, sometimes hens will pluck feathers out of boredom. The area she is plucking will have no problems regrowing. When the plucking on the back of the head, top of the wing area starts to occur then this concerns me. I would not intervene, with this type of plucking.

 

Try rubbing the area with a antiseptic cream, hens hate the taste and give up real quick.

I dont think the plucking is that bad, sometimes hens will pluck feathers out of boredom. The area she is plucking will have no problems regrowing. When the plucking on the back of the head, top of the wing area starts to occur then this concerns me. I would not intervene, with this type of plucking.

 

Try rubbing the area with a antiseptic cream, hens hate the taste and give up real quick.

 

Any suggestions for the specific type of repellent?

She has only plucked the down feathers so I can't see any reason to remove her. These will grow back as long as she has not damaged the follicle.

I dont think the plucking is that bad, sometimes hens will pluck feathers out of boredom. The area she is plucking will have no problems regrowing. When the plucking on the back of the head, top of the wing area starts to occur then this concerns me. I would not intervene, with this type of plucking.

 

Try rubbing the area with a antiseptic cream, hens hate the taste and give up real quick.

 

Any suggestions for the specific type of repellent?

 

 

Renee - I just use Dettol cream, works a treat!!!

Try rubbing the area with a antiseptic cream, hens hate the taste and give up real quick.

Any suggestions for the specific type of repellent?

Renee - I just use Dettol cream, works a treat!!!

thanks for the tip.

I found out it was the cock he has now been removed after causing a chick to bleed.