Chickens feather picking Duck

[Chickenkate17]

I've read a bunch of threads on BYC about feather picking, and will start implementing higher protein diet and giving the girls some free range time during the day, unfortunately it has to be supervised because we have a neighbor dog who likes to break into our yard. But any other suggestions would be helpful!

Recently, my two chickens have started picking all the wing and neck feathers off just one of my ducks, Jemima. She is even bleeding a little bit

They've lived with the ducks their whole life and it has never been an issue...they also aren't picking at the other duck. I don't think a saddle would work for Jemima because of the swimming and wing flapping. Should I put Jemima in a wire cage? Or ???

 

[farmtotable]

You could try a product like Blu Kote (I think that's how you spell it?) - it's specifically to stop bleeding from the picking wounds. Unfortunately, though, once the chickens figure out that the feathers are tasty (they like the blood in the shafts - yuck!) it can be pretty hard to re-train them to stop doing it. You might consider separating out the feather pickers. They won't stop until the duck's feathers have grown back. I've known people that will cull their birds just for this reason, it really is hard to get them to stop once they've learned the behavior. If you do separate the duck, make sure you put a buddy with him, they are such herd/flock animals.

You could also try distracting the chickens with something to forage, like a pile of dead leaves in the corner, a bale of hay with meal worms sprinkled on it, or a pumpkin or other melon cut in half. They also make "treat balls" that you can fill with greens and hang up for them to jump and peck at. Good luck!

 

[Chickenkate17]

Thanks! I think she was mildly moulting and then the chickens started picking her new feathers as they came in. I did try some blu kote and it looks better already today.