Hen pecking another's feathers out

[xcop]

One of my hens is being bullied by another. All of her back feathers are gone due to the pecking, around her vent and lower. Her bottom is completely bare. I spray her bare bottom with Blue Kote and smear Vaseline on it as it is red and sore. Does anyone know something I can apply to the bottom that will not poison her and that will deter the bully from pecking? Right now I am not unduly concerned as it is warm but she will need those feathers in the winter. She is otherwise completely healthy and laying and eating well.

 

[Kiki]

You may want to double check her for mites at night time with a flashlight.

 

[xcop]

You may want to double check her for mites at night time with a flashlight.

Why? I can see the bully pecking her and there is no indication of mites.

 

[Dawnclucks22]

I think you should keep her separated from the others until her feathers have started to grow back. Sounds like you're doing well for now, as long as she's eating, drinking, and pooping normally she should be fine.

 

[Dawnclucks22]

Also, do your chickens have enough space and things to do? I've heard that boredom can cause feather pecking.

 

[Chickassan]

Separate the bully for a few nights see if she gives up on the pecking. I don't know of anything you could put on your girl's bottom that wouldn't bother her as well. I don't think chickens have many taste buds anyway.

 

[rebrascora]

I agree. Separate the bully not the victim as that will just cause problems when she is healed and reintroduced. The bully needs to be taken down a peg or two. Keep her separate for at least a week, ideally two and then reintroduce. If she starts bullying again you might try pinless peepers, rehoming or culling, assuming your chickens have plenty of space and things to do and this is purely a personality issue. Usually bullying indicates a lack of space though.

 

[Kiki]

Why? I can see the bully pecking her and there is no indication of mites.

Because these are common areas for mite too.

 

[xcop]

I think you should keep her separated from the others until her feathers have started to grow back. Sounds like you're doing well for now, as long as she's eating, drinking, and pooping normally she should be fine.

Thanks. I have considered it but want to avoid it. I have just ordered some pinless peepers which will be here in a few weeks. Perhaps that will work!

 

[xcop]

Because these are common areas for mite too.

I do have some mite killer but I do not see the others with the problem. Don't they all get mites as a flock? And wouldn't the constant spraying of Blue Kote kill them?