chickens plucking tail feathers!

[Silkie-Feet]

okay, so i bought 25 half grown chickens from an old man who was selling them at my nana's store. They all had lost nearly all thier tail feathers, or had lost all of them. why are they plucking at each others tail feathers? what can i do to solve this?

 

[SunnyCalifornia]

I haven't had this problem before, but I've read that many people apply BluKote to cover the redness. Redness only attracts them to peck even more. Also give them ample space, perhaps their conditions were crowded and stressful? Black Oil Sunflower seeds are a good source of nutrients, and are good for feather re-growing.

Hope that helps!

 

[Silkie-Feet]

they will be free ranging..... so that's ample space. hoping for the best. he sold them for 3$ a piece.

 

[SunnyCalifornia]

Then I'd just treat the reddest bums, and keep an eye open for any particular hen that is an instigator.