I have 6 hens (three Black Stars and three RI Reds). For about 8 weeks I have been dealing with a pecking problem on one of the Reds: feathers missing at the base of her tail on the back. Now it has begun on another. No roo here.
I have been treating this area of her back with Neosporin and then painting on "Peck-No-More". I have also thoroughly cleansed the coop, nesting boxes twice now and disinfected both times, even though I see no evidence of mites or other infestations.
My reading and advice so far is that this can be from a protein deficiency and/or stress. They are being fed a locally produced layer feed from my Amish feed store. It is 16% protein, non GMO mash. I have free fed and just recently began a morning and evening damp daily feed (to reduce waste). They get good quantities of table/garden scraps as well as beef and pork bones and scraps (animal protein). The pecking problem continues no matter which feeding method used.
The birds (6) have a 32 square foot coop with two nesting boxes and 48" of roost area. Their covered run is 60 square foot. I cannot see any signs of stress (not sure what I am looking for) and believe the space is adequate to prevent crowding/stress.
This is not getting better and nothing seems to stop it. I do not like the idea of trimming their beaks, but I am highly concerned. Any help is appreciated greatly.
Jeff
I have been treating this area of her back with Neosporin and then painting on "Peck-No-More". I have also thoroughly cleansed the coop, nesting boxes twice now and disinfected both times, even though I see no evidence of mites or other infestations.
My reading and advice so far is that this can be from a protein deficiency and/or stress. They are being fed a locally produced layer feed from my Amish feed store. It is 16% protein, non GMO mash. I have free fed and just recently began a morning and evening damp daily feed (to reduce waste). They get good quantities of table/garden scraps as well as beef and pork bones and scraps (animal protein). The pecking problem continues no matter which feeding method used.
The birds (6) have a 32 square foot coop with two nesting boxes and 48" of roost area. Their covered run is 60 square foot. I cannot see any signs of stress (not sure what I am looking for) and believe the space is adequate to prevent crowding/stress.
This is not getting better and nothing seems to stop it. I do not like the idea of trimming their beaks, but I am highly concerned. Any help is appreciated greatly.
Jeff