- Apr 24, 2011
- 7
- 0
- 7
I'm new to raising chicks. We have 3 buff orpi's, 2 white leghorns, and an ameraucana, all (hopefully) female. They are currently still in a brooder, under a red light while we put the finishing touches on their coop and the weather warms up. Today I went to check on them and found that all except the leghorns were missing tailfeathers, some bleeding. The poor things were huddled together while the other two took turns pecking at the others. I pulled the two of them out, set them up in a large tote with food and water and another light. They don't seem to be interested in pecking each other. Tomorrow is supposed to be much nicer out (80's) and we plan on putting them out in their yard. What, if any, steps should be taken with the ones missing feathers? Is it safe to put them outside, or is there any additional risk of infection being outside? I'm really hoping that being outside will help alleviate any boredom that the leghorns may be suffering from, I'm reading that this particular breed is apparenty known for it. Is this behavior something they will grow out of? I hate the thought of having to permanently separate them from the other breeds
