HELP! Feather plucking!

[shalynnbrothers]

2 days ago, I noticed a large naked red spot on the side of my 4 week old Wyandotte's neck. No blood, just very red. I assumed this may have been a result of a pecking order dispute. However, just last night, I noticed in our second brooder (all bantams), one of my little D'Uccles running around with a big feather in her mouth showing it off like a mealworm! Shortly after, I noticed a second loose feather belonging to a different chick laying in the bedding! Are they plucking each other!?

I'm so worried for them!! I haven't been able to catch any of them in the act. So, I'm not sure if there's a specific bully or if they're all doing it. What can I do to stop this behavior ASAP?? I already have a red heat lamp bulb. I really don't have the room to separate anyone but they're quickly approaching "move out" time (currently 4 and 5 weeks old). We aren't quite finished building the coop, unexpected rain has slowed the process. Hoping to get all of our standard size chicks out this weekend!

Any advice?

 

[gigi113]

It happens - what is their protein intake? How much space do they have in the coop>

 

[shalynnbrothers]

It happens - what is their protein intake? How much space do they have in the coop>

We have 6 standard size chicks (4 & 5 weeks old) in a 4 ft. kiddie pool with chicken wire around it and 5 bantams (4 weeks old) in a 3 ft. kiddie pool with chicken wire and they both have a roosting bar.

I just have them on chick starter. We also give them little live meal worms sometimes.