Chicks' tail feathers are GONE!

[centrarchid]

This not a rooster issue as I raise lots of roosters so can say with confidence. It is a stress (density and / or nutritional) issue that once started is tough to break by simply correcting cause. Try a different brand of chick starter and remove bird(s) doing the picking.

 

[Sylvestor12]

I think it's rooster to rooster because all the young roosters of ours have been more aggressive and pushy than the hens exept our two Buff Orpingtons, they all learn to be humble when they meet our "grandma" chicken, Bugger.

 

[newlychicked]

This not a rooster issue as I raise lots of roosters so can say with confidence. It is a stress (density and / or nutritional) issue that once started is tough to break by simply correcting cause. Try a different brand of chick starter and remove bird(s) doing the picking.

Thanks Cent - anything I should be looking for nutritional-wise - the starter came from TSC - Dumor is the brand. Recommendations for density - I have a third dog crate. Maybe I should divide up the flock?

I think it's rooster to rooster because all the young roosters of ours have been more aggressive and pushy than the hens exept our two Buff Orpingtons, they all learn to be humble when they meet our "grandma" chicken, Bugger.

Thanks Sylv - as I said before, they are a rowdy bunch

and my roosters may certainly be feeling their oats lately.

I'll be keeping watch on them to try to learn more.

 

[centrarchid]

ID feather pickers and isolate them from rest. Those that have been picked can be isolated as well which I was I do for balance of brooding cycle. Another option with picked on birds is the topical application of a spray not unlike bluecoat that apparently tastes foul.

Try a different feed, even a fesh bag. Give them some greens, some deficiencies are vitamin related.

 

[newlychicked]

Thanks!