Chicken bullies

[SPOCKANDLAYA]

We are new to chickens. We have two chickens that we were given to us last year. They have both been very healthy and have a nice big 6x12 yard to run in with a coop to lay in and plenty of food and water. Both are producing an egg every other day and sometimes every day. My problem is that the one keeps pecking at the other. I never see this myself, I just see the results. Today I discovered a particularly nasty wound by the back of the aracaunas tail. Other than that she is acting like nothing unusual is going on, she is healthy and bright eyed and not at all happy when I hold her still to inspect the wound. I have read how to clean and disinfect it to heal, thank you! The problem is when we have separated them before, the wounded chicken gets agitated and paces like crazy until we let the one that keeps beating up on her out. I'm not really sure what to do at this point. I would appreciate any ideas. We have 8 baby chicks that are two weeks old and I'm not at all sure it is a good idea when they are ready to let them get near the older chickens.

 

[foreverlearning]

Blu Kote (horse area of TSC) the injured ones affected area to prevent the other one from pecking. It is normal for chickens to mame or even kill an ill or injured member of the flock as a way to protect themselves from predators. If the blu kote alone doesn't work then get some pinless peepers and put them on the bully to prevent pecking. It takes them a few hours to figure out the peepers and you may get the stink eye but it doesn't harm them. They work like blinders on a race horse. They won't be able to see directly in front of them but will be able to see well to the sides. Now you have to figure out why she started pecking in the first place and fix it. The reasons range from lack of proper protein in the feed and boredom to parasites or illness.

 

[SPOCKANDLAYA]

Thank you! We will try that!