I have four hens - a RIR, a Polish, a Wyandotte and an Australorp. A couple of months ago the RIR started picking at the feathers on the Polish's head. I tried various suggestions - putting Vicks on the Polish to keep the RIR away, using Blu-Kote and Rooster Booster Pick No More. I didn't have much success so then put chicken peepers on the RIR. That seemed to be working, but now things have gone dowhill and the Polish is almost bald. Yesterday I took a portable pen and wrapped half with a tarp. I put the Polish in there for the day with food, water and a makeshift nest box. At night I put her back in the coop. I wanted to wait as long as I could so the others would be settled down, but ended up startling the poor Polish. Now I'm considering buying a small coop to keep her totally isolated, but have read posts where re-introducing her can be a problem.
I can't say for sure if the other two hens are also picking at her. My Polish is laying eggs and seems quite happy, even though she is having her feathers picked out. Once I isolated her all four became agitated. Would it be better to put peepers on the other two and put the Polish back in the coop?
I greatly appreciate any advice and suggestions.
I can't say for sure if the other two hens are also picking at her. My Polish is laying eggs and seems quite happy, even though she is having her feathers picked out. Once I isolated her all four became agitated. Would it be better to put peepers on the other two and put the Polish back in the coop?
I greatly appreciate any advice and suggestions.
