Help for Roo

[kelly]

One of my hens is pecking the Roo. Has feathers off his butt and neck. What can I put on it? Shes started acting crazy lately, pecking him and me. She was the only friendly one out of them but not sure what has got into her now. Thanks for any help.

Kelly

 

[eggchel]

There are several treatments to prevent picking. One is Hot Pick (or something similar) which discourages the aggressor. Another is Blue Cote which colors the skin blue, hiding any red or irritated skin that would attract another bird to pick. There are also Peepers and Bits, both of which work to physically impede the hen from being able to pick at another bird.
However, if this is a recent occurrence, then you might need to look and see what may have caused this change in behavior. Here is an article regarding some of the causes of picking. It is geared towards larger production, but Im sure you can gain some helpful information from it.

http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/poultry/factsheets/32.html

Chel

 

[dlhunicorn]

Is she also EATING the feathers??? adeficiency of methionine might also be involved... you cang go to the petstore and get a bird vitamin especially for molting (this will usually have additional methionine in it) or else order AviaCharge 2000 (online from McMurry or Strombergs)

 

[DuckLady]

A simpler ( and much cheaper) way to help with feather eating or picking is to throw out a couple handsful of dry cat food every day or so. It helps with protein needs. No need to wait for an online order! Just make kitty share with the birds!

I also will open a couple cans of wet cat foot and leave it out for the hens to eat.

 

[kelly]

No shes not eating the feathers just pecking him. He was such a handsome Roo till she started this and she the only hen that was friendly now she pecks him, tries to peck me and grabs my pants legs. Thanks for all the help, you guys are great!

Kelly

 

[rooster-red]

You might try seperating her for a while, then reintroduce her.

I was having an issue like this with one of my hens, Isolated her for a week then reintroduced her.
She is now lower on the pecking order, and doesn't peck at my roo.