Feather loss in chickens should be a great cause of concern to any farmer. Whereas some (1-3) are normal or natural, some (4-10) will require you to take some action and prevent the problem.
1. Preening
It is a time when the chicken cleans itself and its feathers with oil from the glands at the bottom of its tail. Moreover, this is natural and normal. The oil helps in making the feathers waterproof and helps in converting Vitamin D from the sun to its usable form.
2. Moulting
Hens may lose old feathers around the back, breast, head, or wings. The comb turns pale from bright red and egg production reduces because more proteins i.e. 80% are used in growing new feathers. You can’t control them but rather speed up the process by giving them high-protein diets (20%).
3. Broodiness
At the time when hens start sitting on eggs to hatch chicks, they may pluck their breast feathers to make the nest and make their skin have direct contact with the eggs. It’s NORMAL!
4. Bullying
They may decide to target a specific chicken perhaps because it’s new, small in size, has a different color, or has an injury. This also causes feather loss.
5. Roosters
When roosters mate with hens, they hold onto the hen’s feathers with their beaks (treading) and the sharp nails also can pluck off feathers. Some will like mating with one specific hen, or if there are many rooters then the hens will suffer. One rooster can serve 10 hens, check on that.
6. Stress
Stress also causes serious feather loss in chickens. Can be as a result of illness, the addition of new birds, too much heat, or being shifted to a new brooding place, check on that.
7. Protein Deficiency
This will cause feather loss because proteins are needed in repairing worn-out tissues and the growth of feathers as well. Ensure that the feed has the recommended percentage for the type or age of your birds.
8. Abrupt Change in Diet
Can result in serious feather loss. If need be, do so gradually to avoid shock or stress, as this can also lead to serious health problems. Supply your birds with enough proteins.
