Bully chicken and feather picking?!?

[Mchicks]

I have 5 hens which have been together since chicks. Recently one has been picking the feathers off all my other girls. I have been able to determine that it's her because she is the only one that does not have feathers missing. She keeps picking the feathers off of the other girls necks. Any ideas on how I can stop this?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

What are you feeding them? A complete list.

 

[Mchicks]

I have 5 hens which have been together since chicks. Recently one has been picking the feathers off all my other girls. I have been able to determine that it's her because she is the only one that does not have feathers missing. She keeps picking the feathers off of the other girls necks. Any ideas on how I can stop this?

Nutrena Layer Pellets.
Calcium grit
Vegetable scraps

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Hmmm how big is the coop? Feet by feet?

 

[Mchicks]

Hmmm how big is the coop? Feet by feet?

4x8
They free range almost every afternoon when I get home from work.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

I suggest separating the bully hen on a look-no-touch crate. That should shake up the pecking order.

 

[Folly's place]

I would also separate the feather picking bird, maybe permanently.
Too many veggies might be reducing the (marginal) protein level in the feed, so consider changing to an all flock feed with 20% protein and increases levels of other nutrients, with the oyster shell on the side.
In my experience, production red type hens can be obnoxious feather pickers; I no longer have them in my flock. Your one bird may just be a bully.
Mites or lice? look hard at night with a flashlight...
Mary

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

I have the same problem. I have been trying to integrate 3 - 2 month old BR pullets with 5 RIR hens. After spending a lot of time sitting and observing one of the hens just randomly attacks one of the younger BR. Not just normal type pecking, but cornered and viciously attacking. After I got the baby to safety I watched the hens interacting and little Miss Vicious went behind another hen and pecked her so hard it drew blood. I've been using peck no more and it seemed to be helping but interestingly, this hen's feathers are growing back faster than the others from previous rooster damage. I was thinking about caging her separately. How long should I keep her separated? I prefer trying behavior modification before rehoming or culling.

 

[Folly's place]

Try total out-of- sight separation for one or two weeks, and then see how it goes. She may still beat up the younger birds though.
Mary