Chicken eating and picking Turkey feathers to the point of bleeding

[keefersfiddle]

Hi, I have a barred rock that is ruthlessly persistent at following our Tom Turkey from behind picking and eating small feathers, causing bleeding enticing the other chickens to do the same, i have even seen her go after a red that lost feathers due to a hawk attack, I think that situation will be fine once her feathers are back fully, but what do I do about the Turkey, His butt is really bald and sometimes bloody. I have a mite problem as well, and they are very visable, im gonna dust them this weekend, could my hen be going after the mites on the Turkeys ass? What should I do, any help would be much appreciated, thanks!!!!!

 

[dawnchick]

More likely the hen is going after the damaged tissue caused by the mites. It's not really a great idea to raise chickens and turkeys together, though some do it without a problem. I think you will probably have to separate these, at least till healing is complete, if he is to heal. Once pecking has gotten to the point that others are joining in, it will likely continue til the peckee dies.