Is there ANY way to stop picking?

[tim_TX]

Ron is correct. Feathers are protein and chickens will peck if they are protein deficient, such as when pullets are going through a mini molt. Feeding too much scratch or table scraps can also lead to protein deficiencies. What is the protein content of your layer ration? I've temporarily mixed flock raiser with layer ration (1/3 flock raiser per 2/3 layer ratio) to boost the protein. Make sure you provide oyster shell if you start mixing your feed since the flock raiser type feeds do not contain the extra calcium needed by your hens. Do not use medicated starter ration as your protein booster.

 

[max13077]

Thanks folks. It just seems like I solve one problem and another one creeps up. I will buy some higher protein feed for them. I wish there was another place I could put the suspects but I really don't have a lot of hope.

I guess time will tell.

 

[farmerlor]

Tea Tree Oil! First, you may want to mix up some baking soda or toothpaste or something with the tea tree oil and put it on any open wounds. That way they're not drawn to the red marks. Then have someone pouring the oil in your hands while you pick up each bird and sort of just smooth some over ALL their feathers and head. It stopped the pecking in my coop in just one day. They got a taste of that nasty stuff and wouldn't even stand by each other let alone bite one another. I also use Tea Tree Oil whenever I am introducing new birds so no one gets hurt. It's a nasty, stinky, greasy job but no one pecks anyone in my coop.

 

[willheveland]

I'd try some blue grease and check their beaks often to collar the picker.
I like this stuff called Blackburns Best Pecker Wrecker, I think it's made in Junction,Texas.It's like eucaliptus and vicks type ointment thats medicated.Not sure where I got it,It's been awhile but it is great stuff.It smells wonderful,but put a dab on your tongue mister and you'll see why it works.
Lacking protein is probably the culprit though. good luck.At least you'll be eating good while your investigating. Will

 

[RW19290]

Quote:
I use a product i bought on mypetchicken.com and it's called pick-no-more lotion. It really worked for my chickens.

here is the link : http://www.mypetchicken.com/Chicken_Health-Pick_No_More_Lotion__4_oz-P389.aspx

Hope your chickens will get along!!

EDIT: MyPetChicken doesn't respond to orders during to winter so i guess you'll need to buy it from here : http://www.roosterboosterproducts.com/product/50910

 

[LynneP]

I thought tea tree oil was toxic to birds...by that I mean it can be used to wash down coops, but I had always thought that direct contact with birds was not advised...if it can be used, I'd be thrilled because it's available here quite inexpensively...

 

[AtRendeAcres]

Lots of real good advice here!

I will add roost at same levels helped cut down on aggresion in one of my coops!

 

[jvls1942]

are you using any artificial light in your coop?? use a red light bulb..
It is supposed to make blood more difficult to see.. I use red for baby chicks and never have pecking problems..

 

[farmerlor]

Quote:
If it is toxic I was ignorant of that fact and have used it right from the bottle on every single bird I own without incident. None of them are or have been sick. Doing some quick Googling it appears the jury is still out on whether or not the stuff is toxic. One site says it's absolutely safe and you can drink it right down another says never give it to small animals. But we use it for most everything here and had tried it on some other wounds which it heals with magical swiftness but I'd also noticed that the animals didn't like the smell of it so I tried it on the chicks and I'm very pleased with the way it's worked on them.

 

[LynneP]

Maybe you have a pure product designed for human contact? It's possible that some of the oil is suitable only for commercial cleaners and deodorizers. Like having to check for food-grade DE versus the commercial kind for gardening and for pool filters...I'll keep looking and asking too.