Feather pecking

[Vicki B]

I have a hen that was being bullied. The other two hens started pecking her feathers out above her tail till it was raw. I think I’ve got them to pretty much leave her alone but now she’s picking at it herself constantly. No matter what I use and it looks terrible. I am using vetericyn, hen healer and pick no more. Not helping. How can I get her to stop. I was going to put her in a big cage inside the coop but if she is doing it to herself why do it. I don’t see any bugs. They are not crowded. I do not let them free range. What can I put on her that would taste bad but not hurt her?

 

[nuthatched]

What is their diet?

 

[Vicki B]

What is their diet?

Purina Layena crumbles. Extra oyster shell and grit always out. They have sand for floor. Mealworms or scratch for treat. Peas or green beans

 

[nuthatched]

Purina Layena crumbles. Extra oyster shell and grit always out. They have sand for floor. Mealworms or scratch for treat. Peas or green beans

Maybe try getting higher protein feed, there are several laying feeds on the market hat have good protein levels.

 

[Vicki B]

Maybe try getting higher protein feed, there are several laying feeds on the market hat have good protein levels.

I need to stop this right now or she is going to die. I need something that will taste bad but not hurt her. Anything I can find online is overseas and they don’t ship to us

 

[NikkisChickees]

I need to stop this right now or she is going to die. I need something that will taste bad but not hurt her. Anything I can find online is overseas and they don’t ship to us

I need to stop this right now or she is going to die. I need something that will taste bad but not hurt her. Anything I can find online is overseas and they don’t ship to us

Have you tried an apron? I’m not sure where exactly the problem is. Would the apron cover it?

Also- she may be pecking at it herself because it itches/irritates her. Hen healer usually always helps for me, sorry that’s not the case for you. I hope you find a solution

 

[Vicki B]

Have you tried an apron? I’m not sure where exactly the problem is. Would the apron cover it?

Also- she may be pecking at it herself because it itches/irritates her. Hen healer usually always helps for me, sorry that’s not the case for you. I hope you find a solution

Thank you I was just looking for aprons. I think it might work

 

[NikkisChickees]

Thank you I was just looking for aprons. I think it might work

If you can’t find any to get a hold of quickly- you can DYI it with a kitchen towel and elastic band. Just searching it online should assist

 

[Vicki B]

My husband just had this great idea! The good old cloth face mask. She seems to be tolerating it well

 

[NikkisChickees]

My husband just had this great idea! The good old cloth face mask. She seems to be tolerating it well

That’s great!! Go hubby! Hope that helps and allows the spot to heal I’ve seen people using old face masks as “diapers” for indoor chickens