Cickens pecking each other.

[ranchhand]

Blu-Kote. I found it at the feed store. But wear gloves and old clothes, the stuff turns everything purple!

 

[PeeperKeeper]

I could be wrong....I think thy get to pecking at each other because of boredom. We like to throw in a head of cabbage or melon for them to work on if we have to keep them cooped up due to weather. Someone one here once mentioned a "flock block" to peck at and keep them busy.

 

[Wynette]

There are solutions - anti-pick is one, Blue Kote is another.

However - I do tend to think they're a bit overcrowded. I know your measurements are fine as far as how much space is needed, but that is a guideline only. It sounds to me like they are bored. You can do things for them to decrease their boredom, such as hanging a suet feeder and stuffing it with healthy treats (like dark greens, thick slices of cabbage, etc.). I'd try that and see if they don't stop.

 

[PeeperKeeper]

Quote:
I sported a purple hand for almost 2 weeks one time!

 

[gaited horse]

Quote:
Thanks everyone my Mom is going to Green feed today I will tell her what to get thanks.

 

[Nostalchic]

I've tried "Rooster Booster" which is commercially available, but haven't found it to be an effective deterrent - in fact, I think some of my chickens like it. Pine tar works better but is super messy and may be difficult to find, used to be available in nurseries for use as tree-pruning sealer, may be able to find it there. Don't use Vicks Vapo-Rub (which I've seen recommended) on open wounds/damaged tissue; it is absorbed and can be toxic. Sometimes you have to remove the victim until healing up, or identify the perpetrator and remove that individual if it's only one. This is one of the most frustrating problems with chickens, isn't it? Good luck.

 

[PhilErvin]

I purchased some "Pinless Peepers" this past weekend and am awaiting their arrival. I will let you all know how effective they are when I get them.