The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: School Farmer on October 06, 2012, 03:34:58 pm

Title: Bald Buff Orpington
Post by: School Farmer on October 06, 2012, 03:34:58 pm
Can someone tell me how long it takes to grow feathers?  Eliza was a firm favourite of our rooster Gerald. She has a bald bum due to his over amorous attentions. Gerald has been in chicken heaven for 5 months now and Eliza is a little stubbly but still bald!  Should I be feeding her something specific or doing something, or will she remain bald? 
Title: Re: Bald Buff Orpington
Post by: jaykay on October 06, 2012, 07:04:03 pm
They'll grow back, a bit of Poultry Spice won't hurt.

Do you know about 'saddles'? Things that have loops to go under the wings and a back piece, to protect the back from cockerels. A couple of my hens are very popular and need them each summer. Stops them getting bare and sore. Think I got mine from P&T Poultry but many places sell them.
Title: Re: Bald Buff Orpington
Post by: Mammyshaz on October 06, 2012, 09:10:58 pm
Would Vaseline help? Maybe I'm totally off the mark but thought if a cockerel has been at her lots the skin may have toughened slowing the feather growth.
Perhaps softening with Vaseline will help them break through faster?

But please wait until somebody better experienced comes along and clarifies the pros and cons of using it on poultry. I'm no expert at all.
Title: Re: Bald Buff Orpington
Post by: Moleskins on October 06, 2012, 11:21:05 pm
Have you tried some lead?


Shoot the bloody cockerel!  ;D
Title: Re: Bald Buff Orpington
Post by: School Farmer on October 07, 2012, 02:41:07 pm
Cockrel has been dispatched!  Chicken still bald 5 months later!  I wish I had known about chicken saddles at the time.  I will attempt the poultry spice and research the Vaseline, thank you everyone
Title: Re: Bald Buff Orpington
Post by: Moleskins on October 07, 2012, 02:54:59 pm
Wow what a way to go !
Sorry for being flippant, the suns out and I've had some good news so feeling that way.
Title: Re: Bald Buff Orpington
Post by: darkbrowneggs on October 07, 2012, 03:39:54 pm
When you say bald bum, do you mean she is bald where the cockerel stood on her back, or bald under her tail and round her bum? 
Title: Re: Bald Buff Orpington
Post by: School Farmer on October 07, 2012, 04:58:54 pm
bald where the cockerel stood on her back, her tail is still fluffy