Chicks pulling other chicks tail feathers out?

[AtlantisPeeps]

Well I have 6 chicks that are 7-8 weeks old and 2 are Roos. One is very docile and the other is quite nasty (Getting rid of him soon). I was watching them in their run and to my horror 5 chicks were attacking the one and pecking her butt and pulling her tail feathers out! What's going on??? (Separated them for the night)

 

[AtlantisPeeps]

Anyone???

 

[Percheron chick]

Not that uncommon behavior. Keep a bottle of Blu Kote handy to paint any bare or red spots on her so they aren't as attracted to it. I would also up their protein (they often pull the feathers and then eat them for additional protein) by either offering some meal worms or a few handfuls of cat kibble. Give them some every day until they finish feathering out.

A busy chick is also less apt to cause trouble. Instead of letting them eat out of the feeder, sprinkle 1/2 of their food on the ground so they have to work for it. Toss a few shovelfuls of dirt in the run for them to peck through.