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Max - don't feel like an idiot. I had a case of feather picking/plucking that I was just SHOCKED to learn about - almost before it was too late. I wrote about it
here . I did a great deal of research and learned that feather picking/plucking leads to cannibalism - which is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to cure.
If it's only one chicken doing it, you may need to cull her and end it. If it's more than one, well, you need to identify who all is involved in it, separate them, and deal with it as it comes.
I was never clear about whether you free range all day long? If not, be sure to add things to their run - cut grass, leaves, etc. I bought some Flock Blocks to keep put in the coop and in the run to keep them busy with healthy pecking. As much as I resisted free ranging my chickens, I believe that is what stopped this disturbing habit. I now free range from sun up until sun down.
As for the wounds on the injured chickens - bring them inside, wash their rears, clean them with betadine, and then apply an antibiotic cream. I also sprayed with Blue Kote, but it didn't seem to deter the pecking. I would still do that though, as an extra precaution.
You may be interested in purchasing some Avia Charge 2000 - I've started adding that to their water and although the issue seemed to be ended before I started with the Avia, I would still do it as another added precaution. I am continuing with it just to be sure.
Please keep us posted - and best of luck!
ETA: Baby shampoo, a soft wash cloth, and warm water work GREAT to clean up bloody rears.
Penny
Please keep us posted.