Help! My hens are pecking each other!

[ADKChickenChick]

Unfortunately, no. First off...everything here is still covered in snow and the ground is frozen. No bugs in sight. When the weather warms they will be able to enter their large run area and forage for bugs, but we still are about a month out for that. Also, no free ranging here. We live in a very rural wooded area of the Adirondack mountains...our property is also home to foxes, coyotes, weasels, raccoons, hawks, bald eagles, etc. I don't think we would be able to keep up with the loss if we allowed them to wander...just not something I am willing to do. Spring can't come fast enough for us or our girls!

 

[superdeluxe]

That would make it very challenging indeed!

 

[giddyupchick]

Someone told me to use Vicks Vapor Rub on the back of the hens, but that seemed as though it would burn their skin, especially if they have open wounds. I decided to use diluted Tea Tree Oil and water on a cotton ball then gently rub the pecked area on my hen. Tea Tree oil is a natural antiseptic with a strong minty odor and I've noticed that the "evil hen" is not pecking her while allowing the back side of the hen to heal!! I apply it once a day and now on day 3, she appears to be on the mend!!