My SLW (top chicken) started pulling out my Ameraucana's "fluff" on her backside, and eating it. Biddy ended up with some bloody spots before I saw what was going on. Betty (SLW) got put in a large pen inside their house for a few days. I'd let them all out together each day, because the picking only happened when they were inside their house. We slathered Biddy's backside with Bag Balm and let Betty re-join the other 2. She evidently got a few beakfuls of the Bag Balm and lost interest in picking.
Fast forward to yesterday....Biddy's fluff has grown back and is almost as fluffy as before. While they were out, I saw Betty try to snatch a beakful. I told her NO (she responded right away...she knows what I mean!) and we again put Bag Balm on Biddy's fluff. I didn't notice anymore picking today, but I was gone most of the day anyway.
Is there anything else I can use on Biddy to discourage Betty picking her feathers? Biddy is a very sweet, lovable chicken, who lays BIG beautiful green eggs, so I definitely don't want her to be hurt again. Betty isn't as friendly, but she's not a horrible chicken at this point....I'd like to keep her as long as possible.
I think if I could apply something to Biddy's fluff that smelled really strong, that would be a good deterrent. Betty is really picky about trying new foods, and I think smell has something to do with it.
Sorry for the novel!
But thanks in advance for any advice or links.
Fast forward to yesterday....Biddy's fluff has grown back and is almost as fluffy as before. While they were out, I saw Betty try to snatch a beakful. I told her NO (she responded right away...she knows what I mean!) and we again put Bag Balm on Biddy's fluff. I didn't notice anymore picking today, but I was gone most of the day anyway.
Is there anything else I can use on Biddy to discourage Betty picking her feathers? Biddy is a very sweet, lovable chicken, who lays BIG beautiful green eggs, so I definitely don't want her to be hurt again. Betty isn't as friendly, but she's not a horrible chicken at this point....I'd like to keep her as long as possible.

I think if I could apply something to Biddy's fluff that smelled really strong, that would be a good deterrent. Betty is really picky about trying new foods, and I think smell has something to do with it.
Sorry for the novel!
