Bloody Tail Feathers

[kmo0189]

I have 5 four week old hens and when I got home from work today, one of them looked liked some of the feathers had been plucked from her tail and there was blood on them. I observed for a few minutes and noticed that every once and a while some of the other hens would peck at this area. She would also peck at it herself a few times. I'm not sure what steps to take here, if I should isolate her or not. Attached is a photo. Please help!

 

[Judy]

I would definitely isolate her, to prevent cannibalism. Try some flour or corn starch on the area if it is still bleeding. Btroken feathers can bleed significantly.

 

[bj taylor]

I would put blu kote on it. it cleans the wound and camouflages it so the others won't peck at it. I think if you isolate her for any time she will no longer be a part of the flock & re-introducing her will take FOREVER.
have you figured out why she experienced this? is she being picked on, did she do it herself?

 

[kmo0189]

It appears as though she is being picked on. It just happened today while I was at work and from observing for a few minutes the others were picking at her. I isolated her as was suggested by flock watcher. Is this not a good idea? I don't want her to continue to get pecked at.

 

[kmo0189]

I went and bought a bottle of Blu Kote and put it on the bloody part, however the other birds continued to peck. It seems as though they are getting worse and are starting to peck her head. I think I should isolate her before it gets any worse. I understand this means that I might have trouble introducing her back to the flock later, but I think she needs to be separated. Does this sound like the right solution?

 

[redhen689]

Is there a way you can put her with the flock. so they can see each other, but not actually get to each other. Like put her in a dog crate, or fence in a small area for her. It's important that they get used to seeing each other, but she is protected. If you separate her completely it will make things worse.