Help with Pecking

[kriswrite]

A few weeks back, I posted about some 4 week old chicks I bought with what I'd call severe pecking damage. I ended up separating them (2 in one brooder, 3 in another), giving them scratch and boiled eggs, and giving them a red light. The pecking stopped and the chicks healed.

Well, last night I put them outside (they are fully feathered and have been without a heating lamp for quite some time). They have TONS more room, plenty of chick feed, oats, weeds, bugs, and water. However, we stuck a warming light in their coop, just to be sure they didn't get too cold. It is not red. And this morning? Almost all the chickens are pecked up with feather loss and blood.

I can put a red lamp in their house, but that won't stop the behavior in the coop. I've tried Vicks vapor rub, but that didn't seem to help. They have lots to do, and should be getting of protein. I've read that hanging a head of cabbage for them to peck at can help; I will try that. But is there any other advice?? I really feel like we are loosing the battle here.

Kristina

 

[dawg53]

They dont need a night light or any other kind of light on in their coop at night. Lights out and they wont be able to see each other, they will sleep.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

One other idea, chickens like to peck at red. If the blood is really visible you might want to try blu kote. It is sold at the farm supply for horses. It will cover the red and it disinfects, but be careful it is really messy. I would wear gloves and maybe use a q tip to apply it.

 

[countrychick14]

I would try the blue kote. I have used pine tar. It's also with the horse supplies. It goes on black, and they hate the taste and smell of it. I would try to find out who was doing the pecking. Sometimes its a certain bird. Separate it from the others. I would look and see who has blood on their beak. It might be more than 1 or two though. You can also try the cabbage, anything to distract them. I would also take the light away. Good luck. I know its aggravating. I had the same thing happen to me last week.