Does pecking occur at night?

[Stuwe]

Here we are again. My sweet girl Hope is molting, hard, again (2nd year in a row). We thought she was doing good at first. Some feathers were falling out but they seemed to be filling in at the same rate - I thought yay! The nightmare of last year has passed! Then I get up to check on them one morning and feathers are everywhere and she looks ready for the pot. We kept a close eye on her with the other girls and they ignored her at first but today the pecking, pulling and jerkiness started. She had several places on her neck and wings that were bloody. we cleaned her up and hit her with the blue kote and she is now partitioned on one side of the yard with water, high protein treats and food. She's resting comfortably now. So here's my question - at dusk they all go into their coop and perch for the night. My thought was that right at twilight I would open the gate and let her back in with the other 2 and let them all sleep together. Is this an insane idea? Should I not risk it? I get up at dawn to let them out to graze, so I thought I could just separate them again at that time and then let them sleep together again at night, until she starts to fill in anyway. Thoughts?

PS- we do have the capability of building her a quick coop to perch in by herself, but I hope she would be able to snuggle with her sisters when it's in the 30s at night.

 

[Skippersnh]

I would keep her separated if she is bleeding and has injuries

 

[Stuwe]

Thank you for replying!

Even though I have cleaned and coated her injuries in Blue Kote? I was hoping the darkness of night and the blue dye would deter them.

 

[Skippersnh]

If there's no light in the coop then you can put them together
Your right

 

[Stuwe]

If there's no light in the coop then you can put them together
Your right

I think we'll give it a try tonight and see what happens - (no light in the coop so hopefully she can sneak up on the perch and get some sleep! Thanks again - wish us luck!)

 

[Stuwe]

I think we'll give it a try tonight and see what happens - (no light in the coop so hopefully she can sneak up on the perch and get some sleep! Thanks again - wish us luck!)

The night went without issue! Everyone slept sound. Got a little pecky this morning so Hope is on her side of the yard now. Cannot wait for this molt to be over!

 

[Skippersnh]

Awesome

 

[Eggcessive]

Make sure that she has food and water in a separate location. It is not really common for one to be picked on just because one is molting. Check her over for any symptoms of illness, since that is a time when many of us see an illness. You can try to increase the protein in the food, and feedsome higher protein treats. Overcrowding in the coop can be a reason for pecking and feather picking.