Chickens pecking each other: How do I stop them?

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Another option if you are up for it is pinless peepers. It's a good temporary fix. I believe @azygous has used them successfully.

The birds need more run room even with the extra bit. Chickens are vigorous birds that like hustling and scratching, and move about all day. Some breeds are more easy going, others like sex links are more challenging in a smaller area. You would not see problems if your friend kept silkies in that set up, but her choices of breeds aren't appropriate for a smaller set up. Just something for the future.

 

[KaseySnow]

Oh yeah, I have seen those! I'd love to try them, I'll ask her if she's okay with me putting them on the two Rocs. They seem pretty helpful.

I let her know about the breed choices for small pens. They mostly want them for eggs, so if you guys have any suggestions of egg layers that would be good in a smaller coop, I'll pass it along.

If she culled one would that be enough space for 5 chickens? Or is that more of a four chicken space?

 

[KaseySnow]

Also, I looked but only saw one or two feathers on the ground in the coop, so I fear they may be eating them. Is it possible that the hens are self pecking? Or is that something they will only do to each other?

 

[PouleChick]

Poor things! How much are they let out when the owners are home? Were the bald patches etc already there when you started watching them? Sounds like lots of 'toys' may be the way to go - Iv'e seen other things like play bottles they can peck at and roll. Some flock blocks as well and maybe some extra water and food dispensers. Good luck!

 

[Kiki]

It is possible they have lice and or mites and are trying to pick the bugs off of themselves.

Putting something on their backs is not going to stop them from picking.

Adding more room will.

I think you should save your $20 and use it for something that you need and not waste it on something that is not going to solve the problem.


There is no particular good laying breed that is going to do well in any coop that has less than 4 square feet floor space per bird.

 

[KaseySnow]

Poor things! How much are they let out when the owners are home? Were the bald patches etc already there when you started watching them? Sounds like lots of 'toys' may be the way to go

When I first started watching them there were no bald spots and they said they'd never had pecking issues with this flock before (they've had other birds in the past and maybe had pecking issues with them, that's why they had the aprons) so I'm guessing they let them out pretty regularly. Both of them are outside as much as they can be and I'm sure they let the chickens out when they are out there with them.

I'll look into hanging some cabbage from the ceiling and look into other toys. I dunno what a play bottle or a flock block is, but I'll look it up, thanks!

 

[Granny Hatchet]

 

[PouleChick]

I'll look into hanging some cabbage from the ceiling and look into other toys. I dunno what a play bottle or a flock block is, but I'll look it up, thanks!

I havent' tried it just read about it and you cna make it yourself! Lots of ideas here you could try to keep them a bit more happy:
http://naturalchickenkeeping.blogspot.fr/2014/08/BoredomBustersForChickens.html

Can you bring a chair and camp table and go work in the garden

 

[KaseySnow]

Can you bring a chair and camp table and go work in the garden

I wish!! Haha. I've done some sketching of them, but most of what I do is digital and requires I be at the computer doing it. And I'm in the middle of prepping for my biggest show of the year coming up in a few weeks, so I can't afford to get too distracted.

Thanks for the link! I'll definitely use some of these ideas, I hate that they are pecking the sweet little reds. Lots of great stuff in there!

 

[Kathy Golla]

My goodness they’ve put you in a tough situation. You sure are a thoughtful babysitter too. The Barred Rocks don’t have a spot on them.
The pinless peepers on the Barred Rocks will immediately solve the problem. However without former practice you’ll need help putting them on and then especially make sure the Barred Rocks are eating and drinking with them on. They need bowls for that, not regular bird feeders.
The flock block is a good idea too..,it’ll take those BRs a few days to chow through that but they’ll be busy all day or so full they won’t have time to peck feathers.
Something I was thinking was borrow a tall dog X pen or get some tall chicken wire and separate the Barred Rocks from the others in the closed pen they are in. Gotta be secure and safe though, and have food and water on both sides, chickens are masters at getting in dumb accidents.
Or take two big wire dog crates if you have access to them and separate those BRs from the rest in the pen. Put the crates in the secured pens, away from the sides in case that fox wants to try anything.
Does this whole experience make you want to get chickens? Hahaha...