How to keep other hens from pulling out BCM's foot feathers?

[nashchick]

I have a couple of black copper marans pullets with feathered feet. My buff orps are obsessed with pulling out their foot feathers which causes injuries and unwanted attention. I typically separate when this happens until bleeding stops and coat with blue-kote to minimize repeat offenses. Any suggestions on how to avoid this? I have a total of 6 hens in a large run and coop, so it isn't due to overcrowding, plus they're allowed to free-range during the day. thx!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Have you tried cutting the feathers off of the marans feet yourself? At least until the orps are broken of the habit (btw, you are sure the orps are doing it, you have seen them?). Are they eating any other feathers off the marans? When and where are they doing it?

 

[nashchick]

Yes, I've seen them doing it. Caught them in the act a few times! And it's only the feet. I've seen them doing it when they're settling down to roost. You can't cut the feathers off - the shafts have blood which is why they bleed so profusely when pulled. I would essentially be doing the same thing.

 

[canesisters]

I had a BCM roo who was the only feather-footed bird in the flock and the girls were after his 'shoes' ALL the time. He didn't seem to mind and they never caused any damage so I just ignored it. Other than either removing the feathers yourself or wrapping the legs (and that might cause a whole 'nother set of problems) your only other option might be peepers on the offenders.


eta: I take it back - my current roo in an EE mix who has feathered feet. I never had any problems with bleeding or even soreness on the BCM roo but yesterday my EE was limping. I caught him to see if he was getting bumblefoot and there it was - 3 broken shafts that were bleeding and he went nuts when I touched the toe. I cleaned it and applied some antibotic cream....
So now I'm watching to see what good advise you get, cause I apparently need it too.