Chicken Pulling Feathers

[katieinthetetons]

One of my 9 month old Wyandottes has started pecking at my other birds and is pulling feathers out. Any suggestions on how to correct this behavior? I am going to isolate her from the other birds, but is it likely that will stop her from pecking?

Ultimately, I think we may have to cull. What did others do in this situation?

 

[The Phantom]

Usually feather pecking is caused from lack of protein, boredness, or over crowding. What are you feeding them and what is your setup?

 

[chickens really]

Also what breeds are together..?

 

[Mosey2003]

She's either a bully, or suffering the hardest from lack of protein.

Yes, separate her. I would also give higher protein feed to everyone, and much higher to her for about a week. This serves two purposes: when she re-enters the group she'll be low on the pecking order, and she'll be full up on protein, so if that's what she was seeking, she'll be over it. But, if lack of protein is the cause and you don't raise everyone's rations, she'll return to picking in time.

I recommend at least 18% protein, this is available in either chick grower feed or all flock feeds. Some places stock an 18% layer feed, that would also be a good option. If you use something besides layer, provide a dish of oyster shell free choice.

 

[Fluffnut]

Wyandottes are strong natured, often becoming head hen- especially paired with a gentle breed such as Brahmas and Orpingtons. Of course there are exceptions to this rule. One of my two Wyans is pretty humble and sweet, middle of the pecking order. The other I call my drill sergeant!

 

[katieinthetetons]

We just switched to layer feed a month or so ago--maybe the reduction in protein sparked the problem. I'm feeding a 16% layer ration now, but I'll pick up a higher protein ration before I head home tonight. I'll isolate the problem hen and feed her extra protein this week too.

I have 10 Wyandottes (6 Silvers and 4 Goldens)--the picker is a golden. I also have 7 Easter Eggers. They were all raised from chicks together.

Our coop is about 48 sq feet and the run is 170 sq ft. We are snowbound still here so no free ranging, but I plan on doing so on a limited basis this summer once we melt out. We have lots of hawks and dogs around so probably only on a supervised basis. Thought I had plenty of room but maybe not...?

I gave them a head of cabbage to peck at the other day. Will try a few other fun "treats" perhaps this week too, to prevent from pecking themselves! I just don't want the bad behavior to spread to other birds!

 

[chickens really]

We just switched to layer feed a month or so ago--maybe the reduction in protein sparked the problem. I'm feeding a 16% layer ration now, but I'll pick up a higher protein ration before I head home tonight. I'll isolate the problem hen and feed her extra protein this week too.

I have 10 Wyandottes (6 Silvers and 4 Goldens)--the picker is a golden. I also have 7 Easter Eggers. They were all raised from chicks together.

Our coop is about 48 sq feet and the run is 170 sq ft. We are snowbound still here so no free ranging, but I plan on doing so on a limited basis this summer once we melt out. We have lots of hawks and dogs around so probably only on a supervised basis. Thought I had plenty of room but maybe not...?

I gave them a head of cabbage to peck at the other day. Will try a few other fun "treats" perhaps this week too, to prevent from pecking themselves! I just don't want the bad behavior to spread to other birds!

Any treats you give diminish the actual feed they need to consume so treats should be once a week or a couple times a week at most in small quantities...

 

[rosemarythyme]

Our coop is about 48 sq feet and the run is 170 sq ft. We are snowbound still here so no free ranging, but I plan on doing so on a limited basis this summer once we melt out. We have lots of hawks and dogs around so probably only on a supervised basis. Thought I had plenty of room but maybe not...?

For your flock you're low on coop space and minimal on run space. Crowding stress can contribute to bad behavior, plus it means it's harder to add obstacles for chickens to get away from each other or for them to interact with.

Adding more protein can help but since they can't get access to more space the behavior may continue to be an issue.

 

[rjohns39]

Also, how do you feed? Some feed with a continuous supply of feed while others feed different times of day. How many feeders? I agree with @rosemarythyme your coop space is tight and your run at bare minimum. And the snow probably makes it worse for them. My shelters violate the 4'/bird rule, but I provide sufficient vertical and roost space to get away with it, and they get out around 9 or 10 in the am.

 

[katieinthetetons]

Any treats you give diminish the actual feed they need to consume so treats should be once a week or a couple times a week at most in small quantities...

Yes--definitely. I don't give too many treats. Try and stick to the 10% or under of their total diet rule.

Also, how do you feed? Some feed with a continuous supply of feed while others feed different times of day. How many feeders? I agree with @rosemarythyme your coop space is tight and your run at bare minimum. And the snow probably makes it worse for them. My shelters violate the 4'/bird rule, but I provide sufficient vertical and roost space to get away with it, and they get out around 9 or 10 in the am.

I have two 7 lb hanging feeders with a continuous supply. Totally had no idea that the coop space was too tight...now I'm feeling extra guilty! I thought about 2 sq ft per bird was sufficient if we had 10+ in the run available. And our run is completely covered so almost no snow has accumulated inside of it...it's mostly dirt with some hay bales and a few roosts, with two feeders and a hanging 5 gallon bucket for water with horizontal nipples.