I have a hen who getting the last bit of her feathers in from her last molt. Some how, either her or another hen, pecked the pin feathers, so she is bald on her lower back. (I had posted previously trying to figure out the cause of it). I have noticed that when one of my girls walks past this particular hen and sees a stray pin feather in the bald area, she'll pick it out quickly. Dot, the bald hen, doesn't seem to care. The others girls are not continually pecking at her either. It seems to be more of a "Oh, that doesn't look right, here let me help ya" and then two seconds later they walk off. I don't mind separating her, but I have 2.5 week old chicks in the house and thought it might be safer to not bring her in (biosecurity). My conclusion is that she pecked them due to the pin feather growth itching and now it has turned into a habit for them. No blood, no scratches...just bald.
So, with that being said....here is my question. We don't have blue-kote (plan to get some though), but I have heard Bitter Apple and Vicks Vapor-rub might work. Has anyone had experience with these and prefer one over the other? Again, no open wounds or even raw skin...just bald.
So, with that being said....here is my question. We don't have blue-kote (plan to get some though), but I have heard Bitter Apple and Vicks Vapor-rub might work. Has anyone had experience with these and prefer one over the other? Again, no open wounds or even raw skin...just bald.
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