BackYardChickens Forum

I definitely agree more things to do.  Hang some goodies that they have to reach for.  (grapes, cabbage, etc)


If they do draw blood, sprinkle what they call wonder dust on them.  It has ash in it, used for horse wounds.  It dries them right up and the others hate the taste so they tend not to pick at them anymore.  Make sure to keep them sprinkled until the wounds heal so that they don't start up again.  It has really worked for me.

Good luck, keep us posted.

Yes a rooster will help break up fights, but he may also wear the feathers off they hens by mating.

What feed are they getting? Sometimes if they don't get good enough nutrition they will start picking at each other. Grass and free ranging will solve pretty much any picking and aggression problems, but I sure know it's not possible everywhere, there are so many critters who would love to have chicken dinner. If you figure out that's the problem there are ways to help without free ranging. Switching to a basic Flock Raiser feed might help. Like others said hanging a head of cabbage in there and having other activities. You could grow some grass in a plastic tub and stick it in there.

Do you have artificial light in the coop? Bright white light can cause stress and picking. As can overcrowding.

Let's us know how it works for ya. 

Great advise here.  More protein.  I give mine salmon or tuna  from time to time.  Ups the omega IIIs in my eggs!

Last edited by Mahonri (11/05/2009 4:32 am)