Introduction and a problem with feather pecking

[muzzafamily]

Hi I've new to the keeping chickens lark. We have 5 chickens in total, did have 6 but one last a battle with a dog!! We have 2 Australops, two white Sussex and an ISA brown. I am currently experiencing problems with the one of the Australops, Molly, she keeps pecking the bum feathers of the two white Sussex, sissy & mable and eating them. Please can anyone help with a solution could it be protein deficiency she's the main egg layer. The white Sussex do have a couple of high perches they can go to to hide but I feel sorry for them because every time they are down off the perch Molly goes for them would you suggest segregating her or the two white sussex's from the rest of the gang? Any suggestions would be appreciated thanks heaps

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

If she's eating the feathers she probably needs more protein in her diet. What you can do is give her extra treats such as a little dry cat food, tinned tuna, scrambled eggs, mealworms and meat scraps.

 

[muzzafamily]

Thank you for your response. I will give that a go Would you know why she is only pecking the white Sussex's and not the other Australop and ISA?

 

[sumi]

It could be that the 2 Sussex hens are low on the pecking order, so easier to bully. I hen higher up on the rankings would fight back and the feather pecker would give up.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, muzzafamily, and

! Pleased to have you aboard! Best of luck with your birds!

 

[drumstick diva]

I'd think feathers would stick in her throat but then I'm not a chicken.

 

[Tongiechick]

if you have problems with chickens pecking vents put some some of that vaparub on the booty of the chicken so it will taste bad.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!

Glad you joined us!!