Feather pecking

[Kala98]

Hey guys so I have 4 buff orpingtons that are 20 weeks old I got them 2 weeks ago when I got them I notice that one of them had a bald patch on her bum and once I spent some time with them noticed that there was one of them doing all the pecking I went and bought some anti pecking spray from the poultry suppliers I used if but it doesn't seem to be working because the hen is still pecking at the feathers does anyone have an idea why this might be or suggestions on how I should try and solve the problem thanks for the help

 

[mymilliefleur]

Do they have enough space? Since they are almost mature, they should have at least 4 sq feet of space per bird in the coop, and 10 Sq feet on space in the run.
Also, what are you feeding them? Are they getting enough protein?

 

[Kala98]

Their run is 3.5 metres squared I feed them laying pellets grit fruit and veg they eat the grass also and when I have leftover rice and potatoes I feed them that I'm not sure about the protein maybe they need more
I might try letting them free range when I'm around to keep an eye on them

 

[mymilliefleur]

That size run, should be adequate. And the fruit and veggies are probably a good idea so they have something to peck at other than each other. Maybe they are just bored? I would definitely try free ranging them at least part of the time. If nothing else works you may have to isolate the culprit for a little while.

 

[Kala98]

Thank u for your help I'll definitely try some things to stop the boredom and hopefully it will stop

 

[abenardini]

I have a bird in my flock that is about the ugliest thing you've ever laid eyes on...he's a buff brahma I got as a "rescue." I've attempted feather fixer, upping protein (he eats a ton anyway,) and a slew of different topical products - some that color the skin to deter attraction to fresh blood feathers.

None of these things worked at all. He's healthy otherwise, albeit a bit scrawny. I've purchased a chicken saddle I'm going to try next from Amazon; it might be worth exploring for you too. The saddle goes across the back and covers the area of new growth. Most of the time, the birds get into a vicious cycle where they pluck a patch for some reason, and then continue to do so because the fresh feathers are filled with blood when they regrow (chickens do LOVE red).

Once regrown, they should be less likely to pull them out as long as there are no nutritional deficits (Methionine is a key factor here too - make sure you are providing this in the feed) or environmental problems such as space issues/bratty bullies without escape.

Best of luck!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Usually feather picking is caused by not enough protein in the diet, I would put them back on a non medicated grower with higher protein content, you can give them oyster shells on the side, I also might limit my extra stuff because it dilutes the total protein content they are eating in a day, it might help to introduce things with protein in them for treats, things like eggs, meal worms, cottage cheese, eggs, and stuff like suet blocks, your hens are growing rapidly and developing and if you don't get them what they need they will start to feather pick and possibly start pecking. Keep treating the ones bottom to keep it less appealing.

 

[Kala98]

Thanks everyone I'll definitely try all those things anything to see the little cutie be left alone (I have a soft spot for her she's gorgeous)

 

[Kala98]

Just looked at the poultry saddles not sure that will do the job for me because my hens bum is what's getting pecked so it won't cover the affected area but they do look good if it was her back getting pecked