How to stop pecking?

[johnnalei]

I posted this in the diseases forum, but no responses. Maybe this is a better forum...I have a 8 chicks all about the same size (approx 2 weeks old) together in a nice big brooder. One is a turken and I noticed that she had a scab on the back of her bare neck and it seems like that spot keeps getting pecked at. I don't want this to turn into a real problem (still small area that's being pecked). What is a home remedy to stop my chicks from pecking at the scab/blood spot? I'm sure it's just a visually interesting thing to them. Thanks for the tips!

 

[Nostalchic]

You can try putting some pine tar (not so easy to find, used to be used as a sealer when pruning trees, but you might be able to find it in some feed stores or garden stores) over the injured skin which is messy but seems to be effective, or there are commercial products just for this, like 'Rooster Booster' which is available from some on-line sources. Some posts on this site have suggested using Vicks Vapo Rub on the area, but I had a bad experience with that, almost did-in my little Polish roo with that, has some toxicity when absorbed thru skin or when close to face and inhaled, so I would warn against that on the basis of my personal experience. You may have to isolate the victim until the area has healed. Having sufficient space per bird is important, but sounds like you've considered that, and giving other things to pick at, like chunks of sod, may also distract the pickers. Good luck! Chris

 

[johnnalei]

Ok, my mom had mentioned Victor's Vapor Rub and that sounded iffy to me, so thanks for the input. My issue is that I can never make it to the feedstore during hours of operation on weekdays. I'll try adding some straw or something to distract them with. I'd hate to isolate the little guy, so hopefully I can avoid that!

 

[johnnalei]

Oh also...this has to go right on the skin, not on feathers, so I wonder if some remedies won't work because of this?

 

[~*Sweet Cheeks*~]

I've seen some say Blue-Kote but then, that would mean a trip to Feed Store.

RED heat lamp is calming and they don't see red as well. If you don't already have one, again trip to the Feed Store or Petsmart/Petco (but they are pricier).

Put things in the brooder to distract the pickers from the one chick like: a mirror, stuffed animal with bright stuff on it - like anything red or shiny. Flat rock for them to climb on and play king of the rock. Sprinkle feed around so they have something to scratch.

Good luck to you.

 

[johnnalei]

Thanks for the tips. I'll give them lots of distractions and if it still seems to be a problem, sounds like Saturday is feed store day

 

[gritsar]

Get yourself some pine tar. It can be found in the horse (equine) section of the feed store as it's also used on horses hooves.
Messy smelly stuff but it works. It will also aid in healing.

 

[LittleFeat]

I am very new to this but I've got 5 chicks 2 weeks old today. One of mine was picking on and pecking the others. I was using a red heat lamp and a regular 100 watt bulb over the brooder. I'd read that a red lamp would reduce pecking so I stopped using the white light bulb and the pecking stopped.

Hopefully something you try will work.