Booty Peckers

[Folly's place]

This is why I no longer have sex-links or any production reds! They were more aggressive than any other birds in my mixed flock, and much more likely to rip feathers out of their flockmates. Having a flock of compatible birds is better for everyone! I also no linger have Salmon Favorelles, sadly, because they were too mild mannered for the group; always the bottom of the pecking order. Maybe sometime I'll only have Favorelles, but not now. Mary

 

[Jason1004]

So i guess this will be an on going event with my flock.Great!!!!

 

[Folly's place]

Everyone gets production reds/ sexlinks at first; they lay lots of eggs (tho not for lotsa years) and are very efficient egg producers. Having multiple breed types helps you figure out who you like, and over time you'll pick favorites. Some breeds that looked great on paper weren't favorites here at all! Mary

 

[AmandaMBG]

Seperate them out until they stop doing it. Or if your really can't get them to stop get pinless peepers. It's better imo for a bird to be uncomfortable and annoyed then them ripping feathers out of another bird. If they happen to pick a large feather they can make a bird bleed and man can that bird get hurt fast from everyone if they see blood.

 

[Adalida]

Jason, I haven't experienced this personally but I've read on here that giving chickens cat food, either dry or canned, really helps increase their protein (and much cheaper than buying them salmon!)

 

[Folly's place]

There's a genetic/ behavioral component to this behavior, made much worse with overcrowding and unbalanced nutrition. Mary

 

[Jason1004]

I will definitely try the cat food. I don't get to eat fish as much as they do...lol. Thank you, I will let you know if it deter's their behavior.