2 chicks getting all the feathers picked off them???

[330-Trapper]

I have 30 silverlaced Wyandottes 4 cockerels and 26 pullets , they are a month old and 2 of them have only fuzzy feathers... all the rest are fully fledged. the Two bald ones seem to be getting picked on by several of the others.

How do you stop this behavior?

 

[morninggloryhatchery]

If you want to stop i would cull the one chick who is pecking and pulling all the feathers out. Not forever but like for a couple hours and put him back and see what it does. maybe you might even have to cull him for a day or 2

 

[330-Trapper]

I watched tonight and when the fuzzy picked on chickens stood up to walk around and feed more than a few of them took their turns pecking on the small bald spots on each wing bone,,, so they seem to be a target for all to peck on.

What to do?

 

[farmin'chick]

I have a porch chicken -- she was getting beat up on in the coop and started hiding instead of going up. She now "coops" in a dog kennel in the mud room, hangs out on the porch most of the day, and hangs out with the "flock" when she feels like it.

Having her "own" place gave her time to grow back feathers, get plenty to eat, and grow up big and strong.

Think about how you want to manage them long term, and decide whether to "rehome" them or provide a separate accomodation, or just leave it alone and see if they make it....

Or, if you're still using a lamp with them, try a red lamp.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Sounds like it's two of your cockerels that are still fuzzy? They can be real slow to feather, esp. over the wing bows.
It's not fun to apply and it's pretty messy and smelly, but a dab of pine tar on those wing bows and the others won't want a second peck. Do a search here on BYC, keyword: pine tar
ETA: If you have them under a white heat lamp, you may try switching to red. It makes everything look the same, so differences don't get picked on as much.
Good luck to you.

 

[330-Trapper]

It is the spots over their wings on both sides / both birds...Do they sell pine tar?

I have only had on a red light since they were shipped.

 

[gritsar]

Yeah, the rounded area at the top of the wing as it rests against the body is the wing bows.
Pine tar is sold at farmer's co-ops, farm supply stores, etc. You'll find it in the equine (horse) section. It's also used on horses hooves.
Don't worry what it says about not being for internal consumption on the can. They don't eat it. They run around trying to get it off their beaks.
I also saw it for sale on Murray McMurray's hatchery website.

 

[feather leg farms]

You can help them by rubbing a little alovera plant on them. Break it open and rub a little.