Hen pecking

[Birdma]

my top hen keeps pecking the butt/vent feathers from a younger chicken. I have tried everything to get her to stop. She had plucked all the feathers out until it was bald! I have separated, sprayed, put ointment on and I finally( after separating) had the feathers grown partially back and reintroduced her but again the top hen is pecking her feathers! What can I do?!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What are you feeding them? How big is your set up. Feather picking is generally from a protein deficiency, or boredom. I would separate her back out. You may need to keep her separately for a few months to break the habit, but first you need to find out why she's doing it.

 

[Birdma]

That’s what I can’t figure out... why! They free range all day. I give them a mix of nutrena feather fixer 18% protein and blue seal egg layer. They have free access to their food. They also get food scraps.
Frustrating.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What's the protein content on the layer? How much food scraps? Try just feeding the 18% feed, and add in some animal based protein like cottage cheese, canned fish, or scrambled eggs.

 

[aart]

They free range all day.

Is the pecking happening when they are ranging?

Knowing more about....
-your flock size(numbers, ages, genders),
-your coop(size in feet by feet with pics),
and what and how exactly you are feeding,
might offer clues to if there is a solvable problem.


Also....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I manage my chickens for the benefit of the flock. I keep a flock of chickens that have rotating members. I'd get rid of that hen. Eat her, house her separated from the others permanently, give her away, or sell her maybe at auction.

Or do that with the younger chicken.

I'll add that I think you have done everything you reasonably can.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I manage my chickens for the benefit of the flock. I keep a flock of chickens that have rotating members. I'd get rid of that hen. Eat her, house her separated from the others permanently, give her away, or sell her maybe at auction.

Or do that with the younger chicken.

I'll add that I think you have done everything you reasonably can.

I too would get rid of a feather plucking bird. It's a nasty habit that's near impossible to break.

 

[Birdma]

What are you feeding them? How big is your set up. Feather picking is generally from a protein deficiency, or boredom. I would separate her back out. You may need to keep her separately for a few months to break the habit, but first you need to find out why she's doing it.

Is the pecking happening when they are ranging?

Knowing more about....
-your flock size(numbers, ages, genders),
-your coop(size in feet by feet with pics),
and what and how exactly you are feeding,
might offer clues to if there is a solvable problem.


Also....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

View attachment 1899000

i

Is the pecking happening when they are ranging?

Knowing more about....
-your flock size(numbers, ages, genders),
-your coop(size in feet by feet with pics),
and what and how exactly you are feeding,
might offer clues to if there is a solvable problem.


Also....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

View attachment 1899000

 

[Birdma]

The pecking is mostly around food. But happens every wher

Is the pecking happening when they are ranging?

Knowing more about....
-your flock size(numbers, ages, genders),
-your coop(size in feet by feet with pics),
and what and how exactly you are feeding,
might offer clues to if there is a solvable problem.


Also....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

View attachment 1899000

 

[Birdma]

I’m at a loss. Another hen pecks as well ,copycat! They have been doing this off and on for months doesn’t matter the weather. We live in Maryland. I think I may try caging her. If everyone gets along with the May hen pecked separate I may just remove her. The ones being pecked are a year younger so there is that as well. And they are different breeds.