Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Feather Picking
Boredom and, more often, nutritional lack bring on feather picking. Protein deficiency
typically triggers this condition, which some breeds, especially the hybrid layers, are
more susceptible to.
To avoid feather picking, adjust the protein levels in the feed. I always try adding
some cat or dog food to their ration first. My chickens love pet food, and the addition
to their diet clears up the problem rather quickly. If that doesn't work, contact your feed
salesman and report the problems you are having. He or she may be able to adjust the
protein source in the feed.
Free-range time is an engaging activity that will also help cut down on feather pick-
ing.
Rapid-Growth Illnesses
Poultry such as those raised to be commercial broiler chickens have been selected for
rapid growth. Although their meat carcasses are quick to appear at the dinner table, this
speedy development brings with it a whole slew of health problems. For a thorough dis-
Spur Overgrowth
It is not all that uncommon to become attached to a rooster and thus keep him to an age
when spur growth can be a problem. I have seen pets with spurs more than 4 inches (10
cm) long!
The excessive length of a rooster's spurs may impair his ability to walk and harm the
hens when he is mating. The spurs can also cause a problem for you if your bird decides
you have invaded his turf! But do not try to cut the spur off, as this will cause a lot of
bleeding and a great deal of pain.
