My Australorps are Total Pains!

[MROO]

maybe put some things to amuse them - distract them from pecking.

I have two young OEGB cockerels that chase ping-pong balls around. You'd probably need bigger balls for Aussies, but the concept is the same. I've also dangled old cds, computer discs and even an aluminum pie pan for them to peck. A mirror can work wonders, too.
And the cabbage is a great idea. Just make sure you hang around for a bit, because once they figure out that the big, green dangly thing doesn't eat chickens, it's awfully fun to watch!

 

[MROO]

Oh - and do they have a dust bath? That may make a difference, too. It'll keep them busy for a long time, especially if they've never had access to that particular luxury before.

 

[BYC910]

You could try rotating each one out and lowering their status in pecking order. Also filing peaks is a possibility which is how large laying houses help with pecking and egg eating . Or you could just eat them. That would be my choice. They are eating the feathers most likely, and that is a hard habit to break .

 

[MizAmberLea]

I’m not allowed to say jerks???

 

[MizAmberLea]

Oh - and do they have a dust bath? That may make a difference, too. It'll keep them busy for a long time, especially if they've never had access to that particular luxury before.

Yep. With DE.

 

[aart]

Your coop is 500sqft?
Got pics?

Is it the aussies picking on the baldies.....or are the baldies picking on the baldies?

 

[21hens-incharge]

With 500 sq foot in the coop dividing it should be simple and effective.

I have always found Aussies to be mellow. Are you SURE they are Aussies and not sex links?

 

[MizAmberLea]

Your coop is 500sqft?
Got pics?

Is it the aussies picking on the baldies.....or are the baldies picking on the baldies?

The Aussies are the baldies... and they pick on everyone.

 

[MizAmberLea]

With 500 sq foot in the coop dividing it should be simple and effective.

I have always found Aussies to be mellow. Are you SURE they are Aussies and not sex links?

I am sure the baldies are Aussies completely and solely based on what I was told- however we have two Aussies in our home flock (that I’m 100% sure of) and they are jerky as well.

 

[MizAmberLea]

The Aussies are the baldies... and they pick on everyone.