Constantly pecking the pig…Is my only option to move them?

[KimbosKluckers]

So it’s been a year since 6 gals lived with the pig, they have options to get away from him but he can not escape them. There’s no fighting but they constantly peck him, it bleeds and then they keep going. He’s always let them “groom” him but it’s getting out of control with his blood spots. I’m getting blue kote today hoping they leave old spots alone but I’m afraid they’ll just make new ones. He loves their companionship and guards them well. Can I stop this behavior or must they be moved? They share a yard approximately 450 square feet and free range 2 acres 1-2 times per week.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I’m getting blue kote today hoping they leave old spots alone but I’m afraid they’ll just make new ones. He loves their companionship and guards them well. Can I stop this behavior or must they be moved?

Ah, your oinker (seen in your avatar pic) is so cute!

I think your concern about them picking new spots is quite valid.. chickens are very attracted to the taste of blood, not just the red color.. and they've clearly discovered how to make new peck spots (according to your description).. the only real way to tell is try the blue kote and then observe what happens. If they continue, then your answer is clear and separation is probably a better idea than the continued risk of infection.

My piggies love being scratched to, but not by the chickens. Mine see the chickens as competition for food and chase them away. Sounds like your boy has a lovely personality!

 

[KimbosKluckers]

Ah, your oinker (seen in your avatar pic) is so cute!

I think your concern about them picking new spots is quite valid.. chickens are very attracted to the taste of blood, not just the red color.. and they've clearly discovered how to make new peck spots (according to your description).. the only real way to tell is try the blue kote and then observe what happens. If they continue, then your answer is clear and separation is probably a better idea than the continued risk of infection.

My piggies love being scratched to, but not by the chickens. Mine see the chickens as competition for food and chase them away. Sounds like your boy has a lovely personality!

Thank you, he’s so laid back (11 years old) and had previous interactions with chickens so that’s why we got them, my dogs aren’t trustworthy with him. So it would be sad to have to separate them but yes, I do not want infection to start. He has one pretty bad sore that they won’t leave alone. The dismantling everything will be a pain but got to keep him safe. Ugh. Thank you!!

 

[KimbosKluckers]

I’m wondering if feeding rare meat would help the blood cravings? Is that ridiculous? Some kind of red scratching post? Any last minute ideas before I have to dismantle everything Ive done and relocate them.

 

[LaFleche]

They would still try to eat him alive as they know how to make him bleed whenever they want to.

I would move the chickens to an enclosed run with hotwire to prevent him from trying to snuggle up against the fence and getting injured by your blood thirsty flock as they can and will peck him through a fence as well.

Another option for the chickens would be freezer camp and starting with new birds that have not acquired a taste for piggy blood.

 

[KimbosKluckers]

They would still try to eat him alive as they know how to make him bleed whenever they want to.

I would move the chickens to an enclosed run with hotwire to prevent him from trying to snuggle up against the fence and getting injured by your blood thirsty flock as they can and will peck him through a fence as well.

Another option for the chickens would be freezer camp and starting with new birds that have not acquired a taste for piggy blood.

Thanks, this is so saddening. New birds would end up doing the same I’d think…we will work on moving them. It’ll be a lot of work and bad weather is coming so it may be awhile. But during snow he usually stays in his house away from them.

 

[LaFleche]

Thanks, this is so saddening. New birds would end up doing the same I’d think…we will work on moving them. It’ll be a lot of work and bad weather is coming so it may be awhile. But during snow he usually stays in his house away from them.

Could he wear some kind of coat to protect is skin until you will be able to separate the chickens?

 

[KimbosKluckers]

Could he wear some kind of coat to protect is skin until you will be able to separate the chickens?

Unfortunately no, when he was small he’d wear clothes but screams like a banshee now and then rips them off. They will free range today (they don’t bother him then) and then weather tomorrow will help him hide. I appreciate the advice.

 

[KimbosKluckers]

Updating…a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the dismantling of everything we’ve done but we’ve moved the gals to their own yard which they seem to like so far. I think Rufus the pig will also appreciate not being eaten alive…they can still free range together here and there and see each other through the fences.

 

[LaFleche]

a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the dismantling

Well done!

Better yours than his...