Molt and Bullying

[88tinkbell]

My 4 chickens (2.5yo) are molting for the 2nd time and it seems to be much harder on them this year and taking a lot longer
(we're on month 2+) About a month ago started picking on the Buff Orpington hen, and now she can almost not be out
in the run with the other 3 or the Barred Rock pecks at her. I've had to start feeding her inside the coop separately. It's about
to get consistently cold, so they will be in coop more and I'm worried that their molt isn't done AND they are picking on her too much. I've clipped beaks,
provided boredom busters, etc. but I can't get the bullying to stop. 1. Is it normal for them to be molting still going into December
and 2. How can I get the bullying to stop? We live in SE Wisconsin.

 

[Mrs. K]

pull the bully into a dog crate, meanwhile order pin-less peepers. You need to stop this ugly habit, before it gets too ingrained. I would put them on every body for at least a week, and then re-evaulate.

Mrs K

 

[rosemarythyme]

Any photos of your set up? Numbers would help too (number of birds, sq ft of coop, sq ft of run). Shouldn't have to clip beaks to stop bullying in a backyard setting.

I've had birds start molting in mid December so a late molt isn't the most unusual thing, nor is a bit of picking. If the picking is bad enough that birds are getting noticeably stripped or bloodied then yes that is cause for concern.

 

[sourland]

Are you sure that they are molting and not feather pecking/plucking ? Can you post pictures ?

 

[LaFleche]

she can almost not be out
in the run with the other 3 or the Barred Rock pecks at her. I've had to start feeding her inside the coop separately.

I would separate the bully for two weeks, so she will lose her rank in the pecking order.

 

[LaFleche]

Yes, you could have her crate in the run during the day and put the crate in the coop at night.
I would keep her separated for two weeks.

There would be no need to put the pinless peepers on the bullied hen, unless you see her plucking feathers off the others.

 

[88tinkbell]

Thanks for these tips, peepers coming tomorrow, planning to try that first before the crate.
Last option will be to re home her to another flock.

 

[88tinkbell]

I will try and post pics tomorrow...it seems like molting as they have new, better feathers growing in but I am wondering if the others are feather plucking the BuffO.

 

[aart]

Any photos of your set up? Numbers would help too (number of birds, sq ft of coop, sq ft of run). Shouldn't have to clip beaks to stop bullying in a backyard setting.

Ditto All Dat!
Numbers, pics...and also what all and how exactly are you feeding?

 

[88tinkbell]

I wasn't able to get good pics today to post, but I have four chickens in a very spacious run and coop (could safely have a lot more). They are fed a high quality all around feed I get from a local mill -Premium 18% Layer & now that it's cold some scratch. They also get some treats - sunflower seeds, mealworms, grubblies and some veggies/fruit occasionally. The bullying of the Buff Orpington started during the molt last month but seems to have escalated. It appears one Barred Rock has it out for her at all times. Now I am wondering if they are picking her feathers out, I never considered that. There has been no noticable blood on her or in run/coop ever. I checked yesterday and her butt if fluffy and does not seem injured. She seems to get pecked on her sides. Also, for roosting they are all separating to different spots on the roosts and boxes for the last few weeks, which they did last year as well during the molt. Any insights appreciated or advice on what to do to stop this behavior.