Feathering up?

[Anonymous]

Hi all

Well, the three ex-batts that I re-homed last year have survived the winter well with many blankets on the house during all the snow! They have feathered up quite a bit since they arrived, but still have the odd bare patch particularly on their breast area.

Does anyone know if their feathers will completely grow back, how long this might take and if there is anything I can do to help this process?

Many thanks!

Helen

 

[foxy]

They can take a while to feather up, this hard winter we are having is likely to have slowed things down.

A few things that may help, the onset of milder days and more light, this will help the re-feathering. Well balanced diet, you could try them on breeders or growers rations which contain a slightly higher protein level. If they are having treats like mixed corn, just cut back a little. If they are still laying that will slow down the process as more of the available energy and nutrients will be diverted to egg-laying not feathering growing. Keep a close eye out for any feather pecking.

Finally, if they are well and strutting around like normal healthy chickens I wouldn't worry too much! 08

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Foxy

Yes - they are perfectly happy and strutting about causing chaos in my garden! Thank goodness its winter and it looks awful anyway! They have mixed corn in the afternoons, and other tit-bits from the kitchen when they've been good(!), and I've been adding apple cider vinegar to their water for a week once a month. They are also still laying - I thought that might stop over winter, but the eggs just keep coming!

Fingers crossed then with summer on its way they'll be looking fluffy and feathery in no time!