4-5 week old chicks, one getting pecked

[roheryn]

I have 8 chicks, mixed breeds (5 standard, 3 bantam) between 4-5 weeks old. They have been raised together since day olds, and I moved them to a sheltered enclosure outside 2 days ago. (We are in California, its very warm here and I only have them outside during the day, not in direct sun). They have plenty of space, and toys and ladders, but they all stay clumped up on one side. Not sure if they are just nervous to explore more. I noticed today, the largest (blue-laced red wyandotte) is being pecked on her back. I saw a little patch of skin, and all the standards are pecking her. I put blue hen healer on her back and am keeping an eye on them. There is plenty of space, and stimulation, but should I separate the flock for a few days if they continue? Hoping the blue goo will dissuade them from continuing this behavior.

 

[roheryn]

I've separated her with the most docile bantam (a mini cochin) and they are both crying piteously. My girl is pecking her own feathers, though she does not like the goo and wipes her beak. Hoping I can break this early. Could they be reacting to the red lacing on her feathers, mistaking it for blood or skin?

 

[debid]

I wonder if the problem might be with the oil gland located right there? That is precisely where it is located.

 

[roheryn]

Yes, and of course she is always preening in that area. I think one of the chicks got a feather loose and they all ran around playing with it. It may have started something that escalated to this bare patch. the full size Cochin was pecking everyone's back, and I separated her for about an hour earlier... before I noticed the Wyandotte injury

 

[debid]

What are you feeding the chicks? Protein deficiency can definitely trigger feather picking.

 

[roheryn]

Purina Start & Grow Medicated crumbles, plus black soldier fly larva everyday as treats and Purina farm-to-flock grower food mixed in. should be enough protein... maybe I should give them more larva?