Hens picking roosters feathers.

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jaybud

jaybud

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So I'm open to any suggestions on how to stop my hens from picking my roosters tail feathers. He just came out of his molt and the only thing left to come back is his tail feathers. I looked him over and found that his tail feather shafts are covered in blood and the hens follow him around pecking them. Was thinking of creating some kind of box to cover his tail with vet wrap.
 
Here's what I would recommend doing-
1. Try Pick-No-More Lotion (http://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog/Chicken-Health/Pick-No-More-Lotion-4-oz-p389.aspx)
2. If that doesn't work, I would try Hot Pick Anti-Picking Spray (http://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog/Chicken-Health/Hot-Pick-Anti-Picking-Spray-4-oz-p1001.aspx)
3. If that still doesn't work, she's probably doing it out of stress, so I would try to fix that problem. Here are some things that could be causing stress, and here are some ways to fix them-

Not enough space- give them more space
Not enough feed and water containers to go around- put out more
Not enough nesting boxes- add another
Worms, parasites, lice, etc.- treat medically
Not enough protein in their diet can sometimes make them behave like that- add more protein to diet

If you try all of these things, and she still behaves like this, talk to me again, and I'll help you from there.
Good luck!
-Ameraucanas
 
Definitely could be a protein deficiency. I use bluekote. I release the bird while it's still wet so those aggressive pickers get a taste of it. Repeat as necessary. Otherwise he might have to be separated out to heal for a bit.
 
I will give the blue kite spray a try today and see how it goes. As far as my flock itself I free range my birds on a 1/4 acre property and feed them purina flock grower raiser. Plenty of water and feed spread out the yard. So I wouldn't think there would be any reason for the birds to be stressed but I may be wrong.
 
jaybud said:
I will give the blue kite spray a try today and see how it goes. As far as my flock itself I free range my birds on a 1/4 acre property and feed them purina flock grower raiser. Plenty of water and feed spread out the yard. So I wouldn't think there would be any reason for the birds to be stressed but I may be wrong.
Click to expand...
I am in Canada an no such thing as an all flock feed...Grower is higher in protein....

If lacking in protein feather pecking and eating starts.....


Cheers!
 
I like the purina flock raiser feed for the 20% protein in it. Wouldn't think they would need anymore protein then that.
 

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