Bloody tail (or tail feather pecking)

[Mrs. Light Sussex]

This morning I discovered a 5-6 week Plymouth Partridge (the smallest of my mixed flock of similarly aged birds), with a bloody tail, obviously some tail feathers were pulled out.

Is treatment necessary? If so, what should be done?

Should the bird be isolated to prevent picking on by flock-mates (which is happening, as other birds pass by and see the blood they peck at it).

After I noticed the injury, I looked for and found feathers belonging to a Plymouth Partridge (I have 5), it seems weird that birds that age should be losing feathers that size, so maybe they are from the injured bird.

 

[Pork Pie]

Yes, it's best to isolate the victim bird - preferably within the coop, so that it does not become considered an "outsider" when returned the flock.

I'm sure others will contribute re: possible need for treatment

It may be prudent to consider why feather pecking is occurring - it could be an issue of space, a lack of opportunity for the birds to exhibit their inherent behaviour (e.g. dust bathing, searching for food), among others.

This link will hopefully give you an introduction to the issue of feather-pecking. Whilst mainly focusing on adult birds, many of the principles remain the same. Feather pecking

 

[chicksonline]

It could just be a pecking order put in place but try no peck spray for the redness otherwise the others will peck more she'll be fine

 

[Mrs. Light Sussex]

@Pork Pie Ken
Thank you, that is a very interesting list you compiled there, but I don't think any of the reasons you mentioned are the cause in this case.

@chicksonline
What is 'no peck spray'?
Btw, "She'll" be okay... is the injured bird a pullet?

 

[chicksonline]

@Pork Pie Ken
Thank you, that is a very interesting list you compiled there, but I don't think any of the reasons you mentioned are the cause in this case.

@chicksonline
What is 'no peck spray'?
Btw, "She'll" be okay... is the injured bird a pullet?

Ahh sorry it's a habbit of calling them she as we only have females but if it's a mixed batch it might be to males fighting which may have caused it and this no peck spray is a purple spray to cover up the bleeding ill upload a photo in a sec

 

[Mrs. Light Sussex]

@chicksonline No worries, I don't mind roosters

 

[chicksonline]

@chicksonline No worries, I don't mind roosters

Yes roosters are okey but if two are together they will attack each other! Most people will cull them I have attached an image of my no peck/ wound spray I got it off eBay but your local pet supply ( If they do live stock) will supply it ( not sure if your uk based)