Chicken vs. Chickens

[DL]

I have 2 Americunas, 2 Buffs and 2 Rhode Island Reds - all 7 weeks old. Last night when we checked in on our girls we found that one of the Americunas had tail feathers missing and their back was bloody. We removed her from the coop and treated her w/peroxide and neosporin. The following morning we checked in and found that the other Americuna had been pecked at as well. These pullets have been together since 2 days old. now that the 2 Americunas are in separate cages in order to heal, they continue to drive their head in to the lid causing a bloody comb.
Can anyone give any advice or explanation as to whats happening or what to do?!

 

[dawg53]

Quote:
Welcome to BYC. Crowding could be an issue and they'll pick on each other because of it, make sure they have plenty of space....as they grow, so does their space requirements. If they arnt being fed the proper feed, that can be a problem as well...they should only be fed starter/grower feed, grit should be provided as free choice, always have clean freshwater available. Another problem could be lice or mites. Pick them up one by one and visually inspect them head to toe...check them for pasty butt while you're at it. I was going to mention also that it could possibly be a pecking order problem, but IMO they are probably too young for that and only would "joust" or "chest bump" one another. Treatmentwise, I dont recommend using any more hydrogen peroxide, only the neosporin. Seperating them is a good idea til they heal. You can use neosporin on their developing combs. I dont know what lid you are refering to...but perhaps you can use an old rag with duct tape on it to hold the rag in place to use as a buffer to prevent headbanging damage to their combs. Ensure they have water and feed while they are caged. You can also cover their cages with an old blanket to help keep them calm til they get used to being caged while they heal.