HELP! Losing all my chickens!

[leedyfeathers]

Well Big Hen is all healed and wanting out of the dog kennel so I introduced her back today to Whitey the lone chicken left in the coop. I watched them interact for 20 mins and all looked great, but then as I suspected Whitey started to peck at Big Hen. I really am starting to think that she ended up killing the other two and now she is starting on the last chicken (Big Hen). Does anyone have any suggestions as what to do with a cannibalistic chicken? I would love to save her because Big Hen will be the lone hen in the coop. Whitey (the cannibal) is now in the dog kennel inside the chicken run. My husband is saying that our neighbor will cull her, but at this point I would rather weigh out all my options before we do that.

You cant cut the tip off the beak ive heard them do that to egg eaters.

 

[SD Bird Lady]

Peepers/blinders may help. But you would have to supervise very closely until you were sure.

 

[leedyfeathers]

Maybe vet could.. maybe just take enough off to take the sharp part off call a little discomfort for short time a tad payback for others.. not that she would understand it.

 

[namastechick]

Yeah I think I am going to try the peepers.....it's the cheapest option for me. If it doesn't work I am not out much. I can get some shipped to me for less than $7 for 6 pairs.

 

[SD Bird Lady]

I would let your friend know that their services aren't needed now but may be in the future. Just so you know if the offer stands or not.

 

[OnlyOrps]

Boy I hope that helps! What a horrible ordeal! Good detective work!

 

[namastechick]

Well did some more detective work waiting for the peepers. There was a lot of things pointing protein deficiency, so I added quinoa to the feed. Whitey the pecker went right for it. The other hen didn't care too much. I had Whitey out while I watched but when I wasn't she was in chicken jail lol I still noticed pecking for a few days, but oddly enough yesterday and today she never did once and I even gave her more protein today with Sunflower seeds and some Braggs liquid aminos. I am a Registered Holistic Nutrition Consultant so you would think that would be my first thing I would try. Ill keep everyone posted as this might be the break through. She even slept with Big Hen last night on the roost no issues.

 

[shober]

I'm so sorry for your loss. It is heartbreaking. There is a spray called blue kote that helps the wound heal and it also helps deter pecking. I should think you can get it at your local feed store.

You have not failed! Chickens can be vicious!

 

[namastechick]

Well, looks like she is at it again. Had to put her back in jail. She was doing well and had her sleeping with Big Hen last night and went out this morning and noticed that she was pecking at Big Hen's vent and she is missing feathers and caused some blood, but not a lot. She is back in jail and will stay there until we get the peepers. I was so hopeful man! How discouraging because I hate having her in there.