Chickens pecking each other.

[iwannagofishin]

I know that this is an old subject. I've got 3 hens, and 2 of them are pecking badly and pulling out the other birds feathers. I've had to seperate them twice and let them heal. Each time I put them back together, they go right back at it.

They have a 3x6 coop which is attached to a 6x10 run. I thought that would be enough room for 3 birds, but I guess not.

Here's my question. Do you think that a chicken tractor would help? Maybe they're bored and restless. It would give them some new scenery and new grass to peck at. My only other option is individual runs, because I don't think my family will let me get rid of any of them. Free range is not an option. Too many predators.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Judy]

It's not a huge amount of room, no, but it should be enough. You could look at feed and protein. I personally feel they need some animal sourced protein, which most feeds don't have. You can give them a scrambled egg now and then, a little leftover meat, or whatever. Or just look at their treats. Sometimes people give so many treats they end up cutting down on the protein in ther diet, without intending to, for example by giving lots of greens or veggie scraps.

I have a couple of links that might help.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/517547/peepers-removed-and-no-feather-picking-d/0_20#post_6586027

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/697052/i-think-i-found-a-miracle-cure-for-feather-picking/0_20

http://www.multiscope.com/hotspot/featherpicking.htm

 

[donrae]

I agree you should have enough space. I'd then look at protein and boredom.
Protein is easy to add to the diet--as flockwatcher said, a little bit of egg, meat, etc. Some folks use cat food, whatever.
Boredom is easy, too. Hang cabbage, things like that for them. A commercial or homemade flock block. A screened frame with greens growing in it. In the wild, the majority of an animal's time is spent looking for food. We take that challenge away from them, then they're bored. It's not like they can text their friend, or get on byc!

A tractor might be a good option, and you might just need to rotate who goes in it. One offender stays in the coop for the day, the other goes in the tractor. Even with all the above issues addressed, it also comes down to the fact that they're creatures of habit. Once they start doing something, it can be hard to break them. Pinless peepers may then be an option. I don't usually advise to use them, as I feel MOST pecking could be cured by improved management, but it sounds like you've already hit the hot points.

 

[bj taylor]

i'm on the other end of the spectrum. I think you may not have enough space. i'm sure it depends greatly on breed and temperament, but I can not imagine my birds living peacefully in that space. I have two that are natural born bullies. they want to dominate anyone around them and the others are lucky to have the space to get away from them. if you cannot increase the space significantly, then perhaps you need to mold your flock until you have a harmonious group - that will mean taking some out of the picture and keeping some in.

I know from experience it's difficult to get that nice balance in a relative small space. good luck

 

[Mrs. K]

I think you should get rid of them, and start over. These are habits that are nearly impossible to stop, and just what kind of life is the pecked chicken having?

The other option is to look at your run, do you have roosts in your run? Do you have a pallet on blocks, to you have a box in there, is there places that a chicken can get away from or out of site of the others? Multiple levels in the run, can multiply space without more fencing.

Mrs K

 

[iwannagofishin]

Thanks so much for all the replies. After reading all of them, I plan on modifying my birds diet with additional protein. I'm also going to consider using the Prebiotics mentioned in Flockwatchers response. I have a little experience with Prebiotics and my dogs. It was very helpful with doggy digestion issues.

I think I will also trying modifying their existing space. Adding some toys, add some roosts, etc...

To be honest, I'm skeptical that I'll be able to modify this behavior but I haven't given up yet.

Thanks again.