susaniris
In the Brooder
- Apr 14, 2019
- 7
- 27
- 41
Hi all! First time chicken owner here, and I hope I'm not overthinking or overanxious about certain things! I have 8 chicks in all, 2 weeks old, ordered from MPC. The 2 Barred Plymouth Rocks seem to be excessively preening/pecking at THEMSELVES, and their skin is starting to show through, which seems red and inflamed, but not bleeding. They have not been outside (indoor brooder), and the other chicks are not engaging in the excessive behavior. I've also treated them topically with a product I bought at Tractor Supply Store called Poultry Aid, which contains the following ingredients: arginine aminobenzoate (2.5%), safflower oil, apricot kernel oil, mixed tocopherols, glycerin, coconut oil, borage oil, tea tree oil, Vitamin E, Allantoin, lanolin, lecithin, myo-inosital, glycine, green tea extract, grapefruit extract, biotin, and aloe vera. I've applied it sparingly with a cotton ball to the areas of the skin on each little girl that look irritated. Seems to help a little. I've also sprinkled diatamaceous earth onto their bedding, which is pine shavings I got also at the feed store. The chicks are definitely not pecking each other and getting along swimmingly (although on of my buff orpingtons is starting to bully one of the speckled sussexes, I guess establishing flock order). I worry about the Barred Plymouth Rocks because they look so scraggly and their necks and wing areas seem itchy and uncomfortable to them, and I don't want them to start to draw blood. Is this normal? Is this a breed thing? They seem bigger than the other girls, and I can already see signs of their combs growing in. Thanks to everyone for any infp!
