Feather pecking

[PotassiumJunkie]

I had posted about this before, but since then have made adjustments to see if it rectified the problem but still having issues...

So I just want to check what options I’m left with and if anyone has any other suggestions.

I have two hens (ex-batts), one has been pulling out the others feathers. The hen doing the feather plucking is completely fine herself, so obviously it isn’t reciprocated.

They have 80 square feet of run space between them (just a dirt run with some wood chips and a few plants etc). They have a coop that’s made to house 4 hens (said 4-6 on packaging but given their size I would go with 4). With two nesting boxes (although of course they use just the one). At the minute they don’t free range as our fence isn’t secure and needs replacing and they would put Houdini to shame!

They are closed in the coop from they put themselves to bed at night until we get up in the morning (usually 8-9am).

Ample food and water (one feeder and one water basin). Get fed layers pellets, a little corn, and occasionally greens.

No parasites and in good health.

Why is one still doing this? Is there anything left I haven’t thought of?

 

[azygous]

Pinless peepers. I've struggled with this problem for years. Currently I have four pickers. The two worst, I've segregated to their own run and coop. The other two are in with the main flock and wearing peepers. This has solved the problem splendidly. You can get the peepers over the internet.

 

[chickens really]

Up the protein in the feed.

 

[PotassiumJunkie]

Yeah I think I will try upping protein as a last shot and if not get the pinless peepers. Think they’re a great idea but wanted to try everything else first.

She’s crazy for pecking things in general, just seems to be her thing, the other ones not like that

 

[chickens really]

Yeah I think I will try upping protein as a last shot and if not get the pinless peepers. Think they’re a great idea but wanted to try everything else first.

She’s crazy for pecking things in general, just seems to be her thing, the other ones not like that

Switch to an 18% Grower feed and supply Oyster shell in a separate dish.

 

[newchick64]

This is almost verbatim for my post over the weekend. Right now the feather puller is out of the run and free-ranging until roosting time. I'm waiting for the pinless peepers to come in. I've tried EVERYTHING!