hens pecking each other

mike874

Hatching
May 30, 2016
3
0
7
Hi Everyone,

Saw a bunch of threads on this topic but thought I'd add another on my flock.

I have 6 hens (2 Barred Rocks, 3 RH Reds and 1 Australope) - I have a feather pecking problem I've been working on for several months. I've tried pine tar, Blue Kote, and it has not helped. All my efforts have only kept them from drawing blood, which they did one time. I managed to heal that bird. I've tried hanging liver, mealy worms, bird seed, cabbage, making more roosts, and letting them free range more often. Nothing seems to be working. Someone told me to get rid of the mean bird (one of the Barred Rocks isn't missing feathers) and I may very well resort to that. But I am currently trying to isolate it for a week and see if that helps. I'll report back how 1 week of isolation works out.

M
 
You may want to up the protein either switching to grower or supplementing with some fish or meat occasionally.
Feather picking and resulting cannibalism is often a desire for animal protein. Feathers are 93% protein. Layer is usually 16% protein and is at the lower threshold of needed amount for production and body maintenance.
 
Hi and welcome to BYC - you have some great advice already from Chickencanoe, so I'll just say hello! - maybe check out your coop space also, as cramped conditions can exacerbate the issue you have described.

All the best
CT
 
My mush recipe my chickies love.
Starter food 24% protein.
Dry Oats, Meal worms, Grit, and scratch with a lil hot water, you would think they are eating steak.
They do get spoiled and I have to do it once a dayor they get ******.
 
You can also get "pinless peepers," for your meany. Put "pinless peepers," in the search box to learn about them. They prevent birds from seeing straight ahead, so it throws off their aim. She will probably focus her temper on the peepers and forget about pecking anyone.
 
I thought I'd give you all an update. The feather pecking has stopped.

I changed their feed to grower pellets. I also hung two old CDs from fishing wire in the open area outside the coop. I read that the reflections and flashing lights off the spinning discs keeps them occupied.

Last Fall the birds moulted and they all grew in and have stayed that way.

Sadly, my Australorp was killed by a Sharped-shinned hawk a couple weeks ago. So we are down to 5 birds.
 
I thought I'd give you all an update. The feather pecking has stopped.

I changed their feed to grower pellets. I also hung two old CDs from fishing wire in the open area outside the coop. I read that the reflections and flashing lights off the spinning discs keeps them occupied.

Last Fall the birds moulted and they all grew in and have stayed that way.

Sadly, my Australorp was killed by a Sharped-shinned hawk a couple weeks ago. So we are down to 5 birds.

Glad to hear the pecking has stopped. Sorry for your loss.
 

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