Best topical solution to stop pecking?

[CheerioLounge]

I have searched the threads and have found that I am even more confused now!

I know NOT to use Tri-care for wounds.

My girls have pecked each others vent areas bald and the one at the bottom of the pecking order has some bleeding. I have begun giving them high-protein supplements like BOSS and tuna and even throw them a lizard or two when I can catch them, but they are still pecking.

What is the best topical solution to this problem?

Thanks for your attention!

 

[chickenzoo]

Blue Kote works pretty good... be aware it is a stain and is hard to get off hands. this will help.. but finding out what is the cause is important. Perhaps string up a cabbage so they have something to pick at or give them a Flock Block to keep those beaks busy......

 

[Jakenhoss]

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I would use "Rooster Booster Pick-No-More" I would also recommend 'Blu Kote" You can get both of these items through Jeffers.com spray the blu-kote and when it dries then apply the no-pick. It has a horrible taste, believe me, I tried it, and it should stop the picking.
Hope this has helped you - Good luck

 

[ChicknThief]

Be aware: If I remember correctly, birds that have been treated with Blu Kote cannot be used for human consumption. I don't know if you ever use your chickens for meat, but it's something to bear in mind

 

[CheerioLounge]

Thanks Chickenzoo and jakenhoss, I'll try your suggestions. I have read mixed reviews of both products, but at this point I should find out for myself...


Quote:
I don't eat my birds, strictly for eggs. Will it affect the eggs at all?

 

[ChicknThief]

No, not at all. The eggs will be fine

 

[CheerioLounge]

Quote:

Cool! Thanks!

 

[1muttsfan]

Blue kote works fine, but...
One of my white t shirts has beautiful blue speckles that are gradually fading, applied by a hen being koted who suddenly started flapping. You should have seen my hands and face

 

[CheerioLounge]

Quote:

I can imagine! While reading through the other posts on Blue Kote I came across all kinds of stories like that! One girl posted a pic of lots of very nice blue freckles!!

I'll be VERY careful!

 

[CMV]

As having been through the wringer with feather picking let me share some info with you: None of them work. They are all somewhat effective, but truly dedicated feather pickers cannot be deterred from the habit. The one product that is pretty effective are the pinless peepers. The peepers were the most successful of all, and I tried Stop Pick/No Pick, Vicks VapoRub, Blukote, pine tar, dietary modifications, vitamin supplements and separation/segregation.

The way I finally stopped my feather picking problem was by culling out the worst offenders when they were caught multiple times. I now have a huge hen house that is practically empty because I had let the problem go for so long that it spread through the flock like wild fire. Monkey see, monkey do.

Sorry you are going through this. It's a bummer. I can say that having lived it for a year and having had most of my flock half-bald by the end of it.

Good luck.