HELP! Two questions!

[GRAM49]

1. I have 14 standard hens. 2 are being pecked on. We applied Blue Lotion on Sat. and now they are at them again. I do not want to separate them. Do we just keep the Blue Lotionn on or take other steps?

2. I have 2 Buff Brahma Banties. Very sweet, laying. They currently are residing in our garage until spring. Yesterday one began with a strange behavior. She is nestled in the straw and making a constant low clucking sound. And her tail bobs up and down. If you try and touch her she is very mad. The other one shows concern for her.

3, (I know I said 2, but . . ) We keep straw on the floor of 8x10 hen house. Like I said 14 standards in there. We keep a window cracked for ventilation. Hubby wants to remove straw and put down new. I thought we could get through winter with just adding new straw on top. We are kind of stupid about this particular issue.

Any help will be appreciated. Thanks, Gram

 

[the1much]

1- ,, if the blue keeps them from pecking,, keep it on them..
2- are ya sure she didnt go broody on ya?,, thats what it sounds like.
3- i clean out my coops once every 2 weeks in the winter,, once a week in the summer,,,, straw isnt as good for deep litter method as wood chips are,, straw gets yucky pretty fast compared.

 

[MissPrissy]

1. You have to separate them. Broken skin is a homing magnet to the other chickens. They will pick and peck and eat them alive. Injured and ill chickens MUST be separated from the flock.

The chicken world is a cold cruel place. It is survival of the fittest and the wellbeing of the flock that is a natural instint to cull their own weaker members. If you don't separate them this will get worse until they eventually kill the others.

2. Sounds like she is trying to go broody. It is hormonal and makes them very moody. Ever heard the term "mad as a wet setting hen"?

3. Deep liter method in winter is used to provide heat and insulation. You need a good deep bed for it to work. I would lay down at least 6 inches or more of pine shavings on top of the straw. Stir it up once a week to keep the poop drying and to keep the smell down.

Your window in winter might create a problem. You would be better with roof vents. Well ventilated, draft free coops are what keep chickens safe, warm and dry in winter.

Good luck with your chickens.

 

[GRAM49]

Thanks so much, I respect your authority. We have not seen any blood, but feathers pulled out. We have several large crates/carriers that they could live in.

I guess I had not thought of broody. That is a relief, I was so concerned, don't want to lose them!
Thanks again, Gram

 

[the1much]

Quote:
are you sure their being pecked?,, not jus molting?

 

[GRAM49]

We've watched them pecking the feathers and the only place the feathers are gone are the lower rump areas.

 

[MissPrissy]

Are they eating the feathers?

 

[GRAM49]

Maybe, I don't remember seeing a lot of feathers, but hubby would know. Why?

 

[MissPrissy]

They could be picking out of boredom or a nutritional lack of animal based protien. Chickens are omnivores and need meat in their diets.

 

[the1much]

do you have a roo?

and if their eating the feathers,, their diet is off, and they are in need of vitamins, calcium, and protein.