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beaners

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Hi, I am new on here and new to owning 4 chickens. I don't know what kind of chickens u have all I know is they lay brown eggs and they are all brown chickens. I have one chicken 'Charli' that has a gimpy leg and when we went out to the chicken coop a little bit ago my other chickens have attacked her both her wings are bloody and the back of her head is bare skin. Needless to say I have separated her from the other chickens. What I am asking is, is this common they have been in a coop together since birth and then over the summer my neighbors have me them so what could all of a sudden cause them to go crazy on poor Charli also what is a good feed to feed them in the winter I live in Pennsylvania so it is only 28 out here today. Please help I don't know what to do....
 
Hello,

I wouldn't say it is common but it does happen. Chickens like to peck at small objects and when a red spot develops (on the back of the head) they will peck at it relentlessly. Some experts speculate this is a natural defense mechanism to weed out the weak or sick. I would strongly recommend you keep them separated for the time being. I would keep them close to one another (for example, in a pen which runs next to the main pen) as to keep them familiar with one another.

Once the marks have healed I would introduce them slowly....while keeping a very close eye on all of them.
 
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Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

Sorry about your chicken!
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Since it's colder there and they are having to be confined more they are probably pecking at each other. Once you get Charli all healed (you can ask how to do so here https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures) you need to give them lots of boredom busters such as lots of bedding, treats, toys, mirrors and roosts.

Good luck!
 
Hello :frow and Welcome To BYC! Sorry about Charli getting injured, hope she recovers.
 
Sorry about Charli. It wasn't until I joined BYC years ago that I found out how chickens can turn on one another and peck them to death. Even worse is their cannibalistic tendencies

I always thought they were totally benign. Forunately if the birds are not jam packed together and can go in and out and have things to do this is unlikely to happen. Some of the parrot toys are good for chickens. And they will even play with brightly colored balls, etc..
 
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Welcome to BYC!!! There are loads of members on here…so if you have ANY questions…just ASK!!!

Hope you have loads of fun and all your answers answered here on BYC the BEST CHICKEN KEEPING FORUM on EARTH!!

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