cannibalism?

[nick77]

I have four eight week old Pumpkin hulsey's. I'm having a heck of a time getting tails on them. They seem to pick at each other just as the new pin feathers on their tails start to sprout, leaving a bloody "stump". I'm assuming this is what is referred to as cannibalism. They're not over crowded, is there anything I can get to discourage this behavior?

 

[lildinkem]

Anyone who is bleeding MUST be removed. They'll go for the blood and literally eat that bird alive. I had one cockerel start to do that in a pen with 11 other birds. He had to be removed. Maybe try giving them some raw Hamburger.

 

[chickenchaser99]

would a saddle work

 

[3goodeggs]

When I had that problem they were still in the brooder and I used a red light. That helped...but with THAT said, I have a hen who is seven months now, with a hole the size of my fist eaten into her back side. Keep an eye out for who is doing the evil deed. I don't think they out grow being the bully. Because the one that did it when they were six weeks old is the same one doing it now.
Do a search for feather picking, and you should find some good advice there.
I hope this works out well for you.

 

[lildinkem]

I talked to one of the breeders who I bought my birds from, she said I should cull the birds that continue to do this. And others will see that and think it is okay, and they'll do it. I suggest you split them up for a while. Here I have sevral different ages. The culperate I caught, got sent to the next older groups pen. He thoroughly got his widdle butt kicked. He stayed in there for about a week. Then I sent him to a cage for about a month. He does not pull out tail feathers anymore.

 

[nick77]

Of the four birds, one has managed to grow a perfect tail, it's a cockerel. Is it safe to assume this is the culprit? Also, are males more likely to do it than hens?

 

[lildinkem]

I witnessed mine doing it before I jumped to assumptions. I would guess he would be a possibilty. might be cheaper to buy some cheap hamburger and give them some each day. Sometimes an increase in protein helps them get out of that mode.

 

[nick77]

I'll try the burger. Thanks

 

[slwildchild]

do you cook the hamburger or give it to them raw?