Feathers not returning after molting

[Toddziegler]

My neighbors chickens molted and they returned to laying eggs but their feathers are not returning. They have tried protecting them from the rooster but that wasn't the problem. They also changed the feed to higher protein and that did not work.

I'm trying to help them out but I have never had this problem before so I have no experience with it. Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

They do the deep litter with their chickens, could that be causing the problem with feathers not returning?

 

[MysteryChicken]

We need pictures of the birds. Also, a good list of their exact diet.

 

[Toddziegler]

We need pictures of the birds. Also, a good list of their exact diet.

I will get some pictures

 

[Toddziegler]

These are not great pictures but the black you see is skin. They are being fed manna high protein feed from tractor supply.

 

[MysteryChicken]

These are not great pictures but the black you see is skin. They are being fed manna high protein feed from tractor supply.

That's not molting. Looks like rooster damage.

I see they have a rooster. Noticed in picture #2.

 

[Toddziegler]

That's not molting. Looks like rooster damage.

Do they have a rooster?

That's what I thought. They put protection on the back of the other hens. Would separating the rooster from the hens be a good idea.

 

[Toddziegler]

They do a great job of keeping the coop and run clean. So I ruled out pests or disease.

 

[MysteryChicken]

That's what I thought. They put protection on the back of the other hens. Would separating the rooster from the hens be a good idea.

I would keep the rooster, but just maintain hen saddles. But if he's destroying the saddles, get rid of him.

 

[Toddziegler]

I would keep the rooster, but just maintain hen saddles. But if he's destroying the saddles, get rid of him.

Sounds like a good idea. Thanks

 

[MysteryChicken]

Sounds like a good idea. Thanks

You're welcome.