3 week chicks, tail pecking

[JPchicken]

Hello all!

This is my first time owning chickens, and my first time posting. I have 8 3-week chicks, and we're getting into some issues with the EE. S/he has been pecking the feathers of the others, so much that my poor Delaware can't seem to grow her tail. I'm worried about her tail as it is now looking a bit crusty. The Delaware is my husband's favorite.... Is there any chance the EE is a Cockerel? If so, we might dispatch it early to keep the other flock members safe. I've included a picture of the Delaware and Easter Egger.... And threw some others in just because I love my chicks.
This is Mildred, the picked on Delaware:

This is Harry (Harriet or Harold?)


Here are my other babies with their beautiful tails...
Francine:

Edwina:

Agatha the Adventurer:

 

[JPchicken]

Hi, I'm bringing this thread back to the top to see if anyone has advice for Mildred, Harry and myself! Thank you!

 

[chickens really]

Being a Cockerel won't cause feather eating but being the one is a white colour and the others are of brownish colour that can be a trigger in feather eating. Bordom? Not enough space also can be a cause. Protein not adequate..

 

[JPchicken]

Thank you for the reply, "Chickens Really." I'm not so much thinking Harry is a boy because he plucks other's feathers, but rather perhaps he is a boy AND he plucks feathers...in which case I'd be more inclined to dispatch him sooner rather than later.

Currently, Harry is enjoying his/her time in solitary confinement. He's now plucking everyone's feathers, even when free-ranging. If s/he's plucking while free-ranging, it doesn't seem to me as though space is an issue. What would you do if this was your bird?

Does Harry seem like a roo to you? Or is the coloring that of a pullet? S/he is 1.5x the size of the other birds, has way more feathers, and was distinctly more courageous, and less interested in handling from the very beginning.

FYI: Harry normally has water: s/he doesn't in this picture, only because I had to put him/her back in his/her travel carrier after plucking other chicks during our outside "chicken party" time.

 

[chickens really]

Thank you for the reply, "Chickens Really." I'm not so much thinking Harry is a boy because he plucks other's feathers, but rather perhaps he is a boy AND he plucks feathers...in which case I'd be more inclined to dispatch him sooner rather than later.

Currently, Harry is enjoying his/her time in solitary confinement. He's now plucking everyone's feathers, even when free-ranging. If s/he's plucking while free-ranging, it doesn't seem to me as though space is an issue, if s/he's plucking even while free-ranging. What would you do if this was your bird?

Does Harry seem like a roo to you? Or is the coloring that of a pullet? S/he is 1.5x the size of the other birds, has way more feathers, and was distinctly more courageous, and less interested in handling from the very beginning.

FYI: Harry normally has water: s/he doesn't in this picture, only because I had to put him/her back in his/her travel carrier after plucking other chicks during our outside "chicken party" time.

I'm thinking protein deficiency and I'm not thinking Pullet or Cockerel at this time because each bird is different especially in breeds as far as nutrients are needed.
Putting some Vaseline on each birds area it's targets works because chickens hate Vaseline..

 

[chickens really]

Chicks require more chick feed and a balanced diet high in protein so the free range time is definitely diluting the balance in protein daily.

 

[JPchicken]

I'm thinking protein deficiency and I'm not thinking Pullet or Cockerel at this time because each bird is different especially in breeds as far as nutrients are needed.
Putting some Vaseline on each birds area it's targets works because chickens hate Vaseline..

They are on medicated chick feed with a healthy side of mealworms..... perhaps I should give Harry some hardboiled eggs?

 

[chickens really]

They are on medicated chick feed with a healthy side of mealworms..... perhaps I should give Harry some hardboiled eggs?

No I suggest only feeding the chick feed because it can go either way..Possibly too much protein too..

 

[chickens really]

Chicks and chickens require total balance in diet or health and behavioural problems arise..

 

[JPchicken]

No I suggest only feeding the chick feed because it can go either way..Possibly too much protein too..

Thank you!