Hens plucking feathers

[wardkm2]

I have 5 hens (no rooster) - 2 Americanas, 1 amberlink, 2 silkies. My silkies are tiny and like many silkies, they can be very broody. They are on the low end of the pecking order. Two of my other Hens will go out of their way to pluck out the silkie's feathers. They have none left on their back and as soon as th feathers start coming back, the other Hens pluck them right back out. How in the world do I break this awful habit?? I don't have enough room to build a second coop and run. Thanks in advance!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Silkies are often bullied in a mixed flock. How big is your set up? I would separate them out before they also get pecked. You will need to figure something out, if there's no more room, than maybe rehoming them.

 

[jpalmatier83]

You could always try an anti pecking spray or lotion. It's not a definite fix, but could deter the behavior. If they have adequate space, aren't bored, and the deterrents don't work, something like rehoming or more extreme measures may be in order