Feather growth

I have two hens Ameraucana's that
are 3-4 years old. They molted
at least 6 months ago and are not
regrowing feathers. They seem
happy and healthy still lay eggs
run into the field to chase bugs etc.
Does anyone know any tricks to
get the feathers growing?
I read something about feeding
cat food as it is higher in protein.
All the other hens are fine just
these two. An no I am not knitting
them sweater for winter.
But if they don't get feathers they
are not going to make the winter cold.

Are they getting pecked by the others? Sometimes after moulting the shafts of the new feathers growing in are for some reason very tempting to other birds to pull out. I find my guinea fowls are particularly bad with my moulted turkeys. Maybe try some saddles or separate them until the feathers are longer?

heda gobbler wrote:Are they getting pecked by the others? Sometimes after moulting the shafts of the new feathers growing in are for some reason very tempting to other birds to pull out. I find my guinea fowls are particularly bad with my moulted turkeys. Maybe try some saddles or separate them until the feathers are longer?

They are not getting picked on and no others
have the problem.

Hmm - those are all my ideas then....

You can up the protein by using cat food or turkey grower. I've had this sort of problem with roosters. My naked GLW now has feathers on both ends.

karona wrote:I have two hens Ameraucana's that
are 3-4 years old. They molted
at least 6 months ago and are not
regrowing feathers. They seem
happy and healthy still lay eggs
run into the field to chase bugs etc.
Does anyone know any tricks to
get the feathers growing?
I read something about feeding
cat food as it is higher in protein.
All the other hens are fine just
these two. An no I am not knitting
them sweater for winter.
But if they don't get feathers they
are not going to make the winter cold.

Hey karona - moulted six months ago? Is that normal? I thought chickens moulted once a year between August and October. I'm wondering if that was a premature moult and their true moult has not yet occurred this year?

Maybe have a quick check for mites and lice. Increased irritation from them can make a bird a bit 'naked'.

Also, the Ams can be a bit softer feathered. Is it just over the back where the rooster has rubbed them off, or is it all over the body? I have a Blue Wheaten Am hen that is very bald on her back and I have had to remove her from the rooster. The other hens are fine.