How do I stop feather picking

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No, it isn't as hard as I thought it would be. You do need two people--- one to hold the chicken and its head and one person to place them on the chicken. I just kind of cradled them against my chest and held their heads and my husband popped them in. They squawked, tried shaking them out but once they got used to them they have had no ill effects at all. Some have fallen off over time and so far no new bald spots! It just takes a little patience at first.... then you develop your "technique" and the rest go on quickly. It is important to keep them soaking in hot water though because it makes them softer, more flexible and so easier to put in place..


OH--- another thing--- make sure you ask for any color but red--- I tried a few red and I had to take them out because red draws chicken's attention and they naturally peck. Mine all have yellow.
 
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Ok...we will give them a try. I don't know why they would even sell "red" peepers. That seems retarded. I noticed you have some EE's...we have one...she is the one that is getting picked on most of the time. She has been a crazy bird since we got her. We can't even let her out of the run because she is impossible to catch or lure back into the run. Are any of your EE's like that? All the rest (buff orpintons, bantam cohins, rhode island reds) are super easy and love being with us and having us pet them.
 
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I have two 10 month old EE pullets which have always been stand-offish. They are not like my GLW's, BO's and Australorps that come running when ever they see me. I also have four 6 week old pullets and only one is a "cuddly" EE--- they all seem to be quiet and reserved young ladies.
 
Ok...I was wondering if maybe it was just that one chicken, or the breed. After many stressful attempts to capture her, we decided just to let her be and hang out in the run because she doesn't want to interact with us and it seems to stress her out when we try.
 
kelidei,
after you put on the peepers, how did your birds get up on the roost or into the nest boxes? I read the peepers only allow them to see down. Is this true?
Thanks,
Kelli
 
Once I took my EE out of the main coop...there was peace in the house. No one was picking on anyone and everyone is getting along great. It is so much more fun without out the feather picking. The only problem I have is that my EE is in her own little mini coop and I can't put her back in to the main coop again. The other 7 hens just don't like her. Even if they are outside all together they pick on her really bad. I never tried the peepers. Since all is good...I will just keep it like it is. No more blu-kote, hot pick, extra protein, etc.
 
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Pine tar. It works. Get it at a feed store usually n the equine area. Apply to featherless area. Repeat once or twice a month. Give them catfood and other animal protein products. This will give them the amino acids they are getting from picking making no need for them to continue. I usually give them 1 handful (1/2 cup?) every other day. I still have problems but it's getting better!
 
Teach1, I like your coop too. It is nice and neat and well-thought-out. It's nice to have a handy hubby!! My finace is handy too, and helped me make my indoor coop (see my page). Can't wait to see what he does when we're married!
 
I've been dealing with some picking as well; I ordered pinless peepers from nationalband.com - much cheaper than eggcartons.com. MUCH. I will be putting peepers on the major offenders. I know how critical it is to break this behavior. Fortunately no blood has been drawn but I have a couple of ladies with some pretty sad-looking tails...
 

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