Earlier this week two of my poor Wellies got picked clean - one's neck and one's hind quarters. Then later in the week I had to put another Wellie who had a picked clean butt and an Easter Egger with bare spots on her back in the chickfirmary with them. When I posted about the first two chicks several members mentioned I might have a bully. I hadn't noticed any bullying behavior, but when you're working it's hard to really observe them closely. I thought if I had a bully today would be a good day to watch the chicks and figure out who it might be. I had my suspicions - probably a RIR or one of the New Hamps. They seem to be the more aggressive of the chicks. As I sat out and watched the chicks playing, I saw one chick tag 4 or 5 chicks in a row - on their back or by their tailfeathers - really hard! Wanna guess which breed it was?? A Delaware!!! I could NOT believe one of my sweet little Delaware was the culprit!
I've got her separated from the other chicks, but I'm not sure what to do with her? Do I cull her, or just coat everyone with pine tar and hope she gets a nasty taste in her mouth and leaves them alone? I also have bitter apple that I used to keep dogs from chewing on things. Does this work on chickens? I guess I could spray them all down with that, but then they won't be able to preen themselves.
Thoughts??
Rachel
I've got her separated from the other chicks, but I'm not sure what to do with her? Do I cull her, or just coat everyone with pine tar and hope she gets a nasty taste in her mouth and leaves them alone? I also have bitter apple that I used to keep dogs from chewing on things. Does this work on chickens? I guess I could spray them all down with that, but then they won't be able to preen themselves.
Thoughts??
Rachel