Hi all
I have searched the forums and the web for answers but none of the things I have read really relate well to what is happening here. Hopefully the wisdom of others will help. I'll try to be very specific here.
The flock:
2 x red sex links (3 years old) - one is top of the pecking order but isn't nasty about it
1 x Light Sussex (2 years old) - is the one who started the feather pecking and now terrorises the following chicken
1 x Araucana (2 years old) - she is badly beaten up, yet she can dominate one of the sex links (who is effectively second in pecking order with all the others)
1 x Maran (2 years old) - skittish, will dominate the araucana but nobody else
The coop.
House: (6 x 4) with 3 levels and stairs, plus sleeping quarters, 3 nesting boxes (although they all tend to use one at a time!) So about 36 sq ft of flooring space excluding nesting boxes and sleeping areas.
Run: L shape (6 x 4) and (6 x 3) - all fenced off and covered with clear pvc roofing material (stopping wild birds and their poo - useful for all the UK bird flu prevention as well as keeping it dry). So about 42 sq ft of outdoor area. Some things in there for interest (tree stumps, separate sand pit).
Issue:
They all lived harmoniously for 2 years but then the Light Sussex developed a taste for vent feathers. At first it was aimed at the Araucana, who allowed her to do it. We ended up with a bared bottomed Araucana (still is). She then started on the Maran, who is also now bare bottomed. She has tried it on the Sex Links, but they have told her where to go! It then progressed to the back of the Araucana, which is near the tail and oil gland. It became bald and has really encouraged the Maran to give her hell in the same spot. It has bled and is scabbed, hence I actually have her separated at the moment for recovery and the feathers on her back to grow back.
The Light Sussex has blocked nostrils and huffs and puffs through her mouth. We've tried clearing this with salt water but it never seems to get deep enough - so, I think when we have used anti-peck sprays, she simply doesn't smell or taste the nastiness and continues pecking. She eats everything she pecks.
Annoyingly, one of the sex links and the maran have now a curiosity about vent feathers. They don't do it all the time, but they do occasionally.
The Maran has become very skittish and as mentioned, will now beat the Araucana up at any opportunity, so she is now hiding most times.
Solutions:
What can I do?
I am now tempted to build a second coop for the Araucana and get her some other Araucana friends.
I have bought Bumpas but haven't fitted yet as they seem like a very last resort.
Sorry this is long, but I want to give as much info as possible.
Thanks
I have searched the forums and the web for answers but none of the things I have read really relate well to what is happening here. Hopefully the wisdom of others will help. I'll try to be very specific here.
The flock:
2 x red sex links (3 years old) - one is top of the pecking order but isn't nasty about it
1 x Light Sussex (2 years old) - is the one who started the feather pecking and now terrorises the following chicken
1 x Araucana (2 years old) - she is badly beaten up, yet she can dominate one of the sex links (who is effectively second in pecking order with all the others)
1 x Maran (2 years old) - skittish, will dominate the araucana but nobody else
The coop.
House: (6 x 4) with 3 levels and stairs, plus sleeping quarters, 3 nesting boxes (although they all tend to use one at a time!) So about 36 sq ft of flooring space excluding nesting boxes and sleeping areas.
Run: L shape (6 x 4) and (6 x 3) - all fenced off and covered with clear pvc roofing material (stopping wild birds and their poo - useful for all the UK bird flu prevention as well as keeping it dry). So about 42 sq ft of outdoor area. Some things in there for interest (tree stumps, separate sand pit).
Issue:
They all lived harmoniously for 2 years but then the Light Sussex developed a taste for vent feathers. At first it was aimed at the Araucana, who allowed her to do it. We ended up with a bared bottomed Araucana (still is). She then started on the Maran, who is also now bare bottomed. She has tried it on the Sex Links, but they have told her where to go! It then progressed to the back of the Araucana, which is near the tail and oil gland. It became bald and has really encouraged the Maran to give her hell in the same spot. It has bled and is scabbed, hence I actually have her separated at the moment for recovery and the feathers on her back to grow back.
The Light Sussex has blocked nostrils and huffs and puffs through her mouth. We've tried clearing this with salt water but it never seems to get deep enough - so, I think when we have used anti-peck sprays, she simply doesn't smell or taste the nastiness and continues pecking. She eats everything she pecks.
Annoyingly, one of the sex links and the maran have now a curiosity about vent feathers. They don't do it all the time, but they do occasionally.
The Maran has become very skittish and as mentioned, will now beat the Araucana up at any opportunity, so she is now hiding most times.
Solutions:
- I've tired the protein route - giving them tuna. No change
- Sprays - no change
- Apron - no change
- Separation (for a few days) of both the Light Sussex and Maran together - no change
What can I do?
I am now tempted to build a second coop for the Araucana and get her some other Araucana friends.
I have bought Bumpas but haven't fitted yet as they seem like a very last resort.
Sorry this is long, but I want to give as much info as possible.
Thanks