clipping beaks for feather pecking?

[juliej1]

Hello,
I posted a question earlier today about my chickens pecking feather out, but no replies yet. I am wondering if clipping her beak would solve the problem. I read about chickens with clipped beaks, but I don't know much about it or why they would clip the beaks. Is it harmful or painful, and will this solve my problem of her pecking the feathers out of her sisters head, checks, and throut? Thanks for any ideas. Julie

 

[Wifezilla]

Feather eating can often mean there is not enough protein in your chicken's diet. I would change feed before beak clipping.

 

[juliej1]

I have been feeding them a layer pellet that says 16.5% protein. It is made my Arizona Feeds and it says premium on the bag. They also eat bugs etc from the yard. That is the only feed that my feed store carries, do you think I need to search out a new supplier?

 

[gjoyner]

Maybe just try supplementing with extra protein for awhile. meal worms, meat etc.

 

[PortageGirl]

They'll pick at feathers if they're stressed, or need protein, or bored or maybe they're starting to molt, though you still want to discourage it. If they free range, they shouldn't be bored, are they too hot? do they have plenty of shade? I'd try something else before I clip beaks, that really wouldn't be my first choice.

Is it just one that's doing it? Is it the 'head hen'? If so, I'd seperate her out, put her in a small crate or seperate area for a bit to knock her down a peg if she's doing it as a dominance thing... not positive what else might work, but if they're getting ready to molt, they might need more protein, so maybe you should suppliment and mix your regular ration with a higher protein feed, 50/50 perhaps. //edit, or yeah, some old fried up hamburger, or even some cat food has been fed for extra protein, they love it! (watch and listen carefully for meows instead of clucks though!)

 

[juliej1]

Yes, it seems to be the head hen who is doing it. Yes, it is hot here (Phoenix, AZ), but I have water misting systems in place in the shade where they hang out to help them stay cool (as cool as possible in 100+ temps!). I should try to seperate her in a cage as you said. Thanks, still open to all ideas.

 

[Mesa]

I have feather picking going on too. I switched to Game bird feed and stopped using their feeders. I spread their food out onto the ground and let the hens forage. I'm hoping to curb boredom. I also added some hay to their pen, so they can scratch around in it. They free range every other day.
So far nothings working.
I bought some of those pinless peepers from eggcartons.com, and put them on the girls today. I'll update in a day or two and let you know if the blinders work or not.
The hens are NOT happy now, that for sure.

 

[lavacaw]

Quote:

That's a mean thing to tell a newbie!

 

[PortageGirl]

Quote:

That's a mean thing to tell a newbie!

OMG you're right! I didn't pay enough attention to the number of posts etc, people really do give cat food as a treat and for extra protein! The meowing part was a JOKE! please forgive me!

 

[juliej1]

Well, the meowing comment went over my head. I'm not sure what you meant? But, I do have a cat, so I went out and gave them a bowl of dry cat food, I tried to make it like a treat, but they all looked at me wondering if I was crazy, they didn't even try it. Should I try canned cat food? Thanks again for any responses, I'm really at my wits end. Julie