My meat birds are eating each other!?

[FreedomFarmVT]

Does anyone know why my meat birds would be eating each other? It seems to have started after they got a hold of a snake. They're pretty much plucking each other to death and it seems to be mostly the feathers around their vent. HELP!! I've lost 10 in the last 3 weeks.

 

[Kiki]

Once they see blood they will continue to peck at it.
You may want to invest in some Blu Kote to cover their injuries in to see if that helps them to stop continuing to peck at each other.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

Sorry you are having trouble. Plucking is a behavioral issue, usually associated with over crowding, boredom, or lack of protein in the diet. I would have to figure you are feeding meat birds at least 22% protein if not higher though? How old are they, how much room do they have, what are you feeding including treats and supplements? Are they under a light at night? When you say meat birds, what breed?

Also, red invites pecking. Chicken dynamics can be brutal and result in cannibalism. You might try applying some Blu Kote. It will hide any red, and it *might* have an antiseptic in it. I haven't yet used it.

 

[Kiki]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

Sorry you are having trouble. Plucking is a behavioral issue, usually associated with over crowding, boredom, or lack of protein in the diet. I would have to figure you are feeding meat birds at least 22% protein if not higher though? How old are they, how much room do they have, what are you feeding including treats and supplements? Are they under a light at night? When you say meat birds, what breed?

Also, red invites pecking. Chicken dynamics can be brutal and result in cannibalism. You might try applying some Blu Kote. It will hide any red, and it *might* have an antiseptic in it. I haven't yet used it.

Looks like they have enough room...
Check out their set up :
https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/20170521_184031.7892287/

 

[CrowHollowFarm]

Find them something to do, like a seed block.

 

[Chickenlover2017]

Make them snack they may enjoy more keep them distracted from each other here are a few snack ideas

 

[EggSighted4Life]

View attachment 1097682 Make them snack they may enjoy more keep them distracted from each other here are a few snack ideas

try peas instead of corn.. great protein and nutrients, same great fun.

 

[rebrascora]

Looks like they have enough room...
Check out their set up :
https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/20170521_184031.7892287

If there were previously 10 more in there, since the OP states they have lost 10, then it may have been rather tight for space.

 

[Kiki]

View attachment 1097682 Make them snack they may enjoy more keep them distracted from each other here are a few snack ideas

X2 on using peas instead.
Corn will make them fat.

 

[Birdinhand]

I'd give them more space, maybe break the group up. I start with 37 in a 4'x 15' space and after week 4 or so I start breaking them up, particularly any roosters that are going at it too much. I end up separating them into three groups, about 12 birds each. if you see blood, you must remove the injured birds right away. I also raise the water and feed and separate them to opposite ends of the run, all to force exercise.