chickens picking feathers

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

Your chickens may be bored! Do they have anything to anything to do? I've noticed that my chickens even EAT FEATHERS! ?? If you have any more Questions fill free to pm me!

 

[enola]

I use the pinless peepers also. I seem to have a few BULLIES that were randomly just yanking feathers out of anyone that seemed to be in their way.....

The pinless peepers stopped all that nonsence !

 

[highcountrychickens]

Quote:
Boy... I'd nip that one in the bud ASAP... really it can become a rampant problem in your flock in no time - it's a wierd behavioral thing.

 

[Hennyhandler]

The thing is I don't really see them eat there own. Only one time did it come from themselves. The rest it's like their scratching with their beaks and so I thought it may itch where the feathers are coming back from the rooster. Don't know though. Planning on doing something soon.

 

[chookchick]

If feathers are being eaten, there is definitely a protein deficiency and perhaps calcium or other nutrients. Chickens don't normally eat feathers. I had one that was eating feathers and as soon as I added protein treats she stopped. Feathers missing on the back, just above the tail, are usually from the rooster mounting. I would watch the flock closely to see what is actually happening.

 

[highcountrychickens]

Quote:
Hmmmm.... is it possible they may have mites? justa thought

 

[kwright]

I too have tried everything to keep my chickens from attacking each other. I am not talking about a few feathers , I am talking about an all out war on one chicken at a time. Always the weakest! The first day of attack the targeted chicken will be plucked on by any one walking near by. It progresses very slowlyaand removing them from the flock only changed who they were focussed on. I harvested the 6 thinking they may be too crowded but to no avail. They killed 4 more litter mates. They have thinned their own flock to 5 and now seem all content.
Their hen house has plenty of roosting room, heated bulb, insulation, water warmer, and deep bedding. It is about 8 x 8 feet and 12 feet tall

 

[snowchickens]

Well, some one mentioned to look to the best looking chicken and you'll find your answer..I removed my RIR for 24 hours from the rest of the flock..and then observed...the stress level seemed to really calm down with her gone. After 24 hours of solitary..I returned her to the flock..she seemed humble at first..was the FIRST to be in the coop roosting that evening..but was right back at it the next day. Just marching around pecking everyone.. So...I put her back in solitary last night and I am going to keep her seperated for the next few weeks, and see how that goes. I did read somewhere else about the things you put on their beaks..I am certainly not putting it out of the question for sure. I will see how this goes. She is a much loved pet and I would hate to give her away... I have used Mite strips and DE in the dust bath, so I don't think Mites are a problem.

 

[kwright]

Me again. Just wanted to let all know they are still content. Darndest thing I ever heard of! Just wondering if others who did not have their beaks trimmed are seeing more of the plucking behavior?! Maybe, that is why the beak trimming got started, to keep chickens from freezing to death in the winter.

 

[snowchickens]

So...I've had the pullet that started thing whole thing in "chicken jail" off and on for the last week. She is very unhappy, but everytime I take her out she walks around trying to be dominant over the others and trying to pull feathers. Everyone just freezes when she approaches them. The pinless peepers sound like a good idea..anyone else had any success with them?