FEATHER PLUCKING FOWLS

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 15 May 1912, Page 7

FEATHER PLUCKING FOWLS

Feather plucking is one of the worst vices to which fowls are addicted, and is capable of being more easily prevented than cured. The vice is more prevalent among fowls confined to small runs than among , those provided with ample ground over which to forage, for the simple reason that many fowls kept under restricted conditions are not capable of finding anything but mischief to occupy their time. When fowls become denuded of feathers out of their natural moulting season it may be reasonably concluded that feather pluckers are among them, and no time should be lost in an endeavour to put a stop to the mischief, as fowls that are the victims of feather pluckers can neither maintain good condition nor produce a creditable number of eggs. Causes of the Vice. The chief causes of feather plucking are over-feeding and lack of occupation. When fowls are overfed they become internally fat, over- i heated aad irritable, and for something to vent their feelings upon peck at the plumage of their compan-; ions. I have often pointed out the danger of over-feeding fowls with - the false object of inducing them to lay more eggs. It is impossible for an overfed fowl to lay, as an excess of food soon upsets her digestive system and gives rise to internal fat- I have also pointed out many times the importance of exercise for fowls, and especially for those kept in limited runs. If fowls are to keep in health and profitable lay under confined conditions they must not only be fed judiciously, but most, of the food supplied must be well worked for among scratching litter. If fowls were more carefully fed and better exercised we should hear of fewer complaints about feather plucking.

Harm Done by Parasites

Apart from erratic feeding and lack of exercise there is another reason why fowls acquire the bad habit of feather plucking, and it is this: The birds pluck out their own feathers in an endeavour to rid themselves of lice that have got a a hold on their bodies and torture them. The poor birds in an endeavour to dislodge the pests pluck at the roots of the feathers, and in doing so taste the animal substance with which the quills are loaded, and this appeals to their palates and they become confirmed feather pluckers. It is very important that fowls especially during moulting time should be kept free from body lice. It is during the annual production of new plumage that the feather quills are charged with much animal substance and should any fowls break the feathers in an endeavour to dislodge the body lice and taste this substance they will soon take to the habit of feather plucking, even though such a habit inflicts self-torture. When tired of plucking their own feathers the culprits turn on their companions, and unless they are checked the whole flock soon presents a sorry appearance,.

The Simplest Cure for Feather

Plucking.

The best way to cure the featherplucking vice is to check it in its infancy by killing the culprits if they are of no great value. If, however, the birds are of good quality the plan of smearing the affected parts with nauseous substances may be tried. But the cause of the trouble must be remedied. If the fowls are closely confined they should be fed judiciously, and the grain should be well buried among litter. A fair allowance of meat should also be given, as lack of animal food sometimes causes the vice. To keep the birds free of insects they should have a dust bath^ and the house should be kept clean. It is very seldom that well exercised, well fed, and properly housed fowls acquire the bad habit of feather plucking,*