Feather pulling.

[Kaceyram11]

I have 4 16 week old pullets all raised together. Over the last few days I notice one has lost all of its tail feathers. I have found the culprit. Her flock mate ( 2nd pick ) she’s doing it to all of them. I see trying to be the top of the pecking order. How can I stop this? I don’t see blood or redness at this time but I’m concerned. She is constantly herding and pecking them. Chickens are jerks.

 

[sourland]

It can be boredom, protein shortage or just a bad habit. Do an on site search on 'Pin Less Peepers'. They can be used to stop this action. Good luck.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Not only jerks, they can be bullies. But they can also be very funny.

I've had success isolating thee offending chicken from the others for a couple of days. This doesn't always work but I think it is worth a try.

 

[Mrs. K]

How much space do you have? Often times, what was enough space when they were tiny chicks, is not enough space as they get bigger. Over crowding causes a lot of ugly behavior.

And is it a bare open set up, where as chickens can see each other 100% of the time? Do you have pallets, roosts in the run, mini walls, platforms. Places where chickens can get away from or out of sight from each other. Add clutter to the run often times helps.

Pin less peepers is often recommended, especially in smaller flocks.

Being raised together really as limited effect on chicken behavior.