Feather-picking

[Lark Rise]

I have 6 hens in a pen and 5 of them have been picked on. I've put saddles on them, but now the culprit is starting to pick their wings. I'm assuming the one with perfect feathers is the picker. Should i isolate her? How do I stop her from picking? Thanks.

 

[chickenzoo]

They may be in too small an area. They may be missing some protein in their diet.... You can give black oil sunflower seeds or some dog food. Boredom is also possible. Clip the point off all their beaks to make it harder to pick, spread down bird seed on the floor and cover it with hay so they have to scratch to find it and helps keep them busy. Hang a half of a cabbage from a wire just high enough to reach to keep them busy... Etc... A flock block of pressed food and seeds may help,also..... Keep those beaks busy.....

 

[RedIII]

If you're able to, you might also try letting them free range now and again. It seems to really help cut down on feather picking behavior, at least while they're out.

 

[Lark Rise]

They free range everyday. I have no idea when she's picking them.