Hen pecking each other

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I had a rooster get frostbite up his leg. It turned black and we culled before it got too bad. Chickens can lose toes and feet from too much exposure and standing on frozen ground. It usually takes really cold temperatures, those below zero, for it to happen. When we get to -20's my chickens need stuff to stand on and places to set down to warm their legs.

 

[jcoz]

I thought it was ducks with no nerves in their feet? Chicken feet are warm to the touch, or that just might be my little mutants. Proper space in the coop keeps them, mostly, from pecking in the winter months due to boredom. I noticed that fresh litter on the coop floor makes them go into rototiller mode for awhile and they leave each other alone. Pretty much anything new gets their attention. If they see me with a shovel, snow or spade, I have the whole crew chasing me across the yard. Worms, Worms ,Worms... They always entertain.