Need Help with Pecking...Missing feathers

[runnermom]

Our 6 hens are about 25 weeks. They have been laying since the 4th of July. Since about June, 3 them have been missing feathers behind their tails from pecking. I don't have any roosters. My coop/run is plenty big. No mites or parasites. The the top and the bottom in the pecking order have no feathers missing. The second in command just has a little spot. Here are pics of the middle 3.
I have tried the no pecking lotion that smells like grapes, and I have been putting bluekote on them quite frequently, thinking if the spot isn't bare skin, and is purple they will leave it alone. Help! Any ideas? I can't figure this out and it's driving me crazy!

 

[runnermom]

I have a pecking block, and a hanging cabbage in case its boredom. I also am around them quite frequently. Once in awhile I will see them peck at each other, but not much. One of my friends that has chickens thinks perhaps they are trying to establish a pecking order? They are on 18% protein laying feed from a feed mill. Many people I know use the same feed and have no problems. I have added some dry cat food in the run to see if they need more protein? I have tried everything and nothing works.

 

[junebuggena]

More space, break up sightlines, multiple feeders, and a higher protein feed (20%).

 

[Hensndoes]

I'm no expert by any means, but I did have a bit of a pecking issue last year when my hens were the same age. First thing I did (from reading threads here) was remove the scratch block. That was under the thought process that they were filling up on junk food instead of their feed. They get a cup at night to come back after free time and kale which has some protein. I can't find 20% anywhere so 18% is what they get. Most people say layer feed is all they need but the protein is 15 or 16 from what I could find. Then I got a bantam roo. He doesn't let the hens argue. Lastly in the fall I started deep litter which I also learned about here. That is the best thing I ever did. It was very frustrating trying to figure it out so I hope you can resolve it quickly!

 

[Pork Pie]

The topic of feather pecking/eating is one that comes up fairly often, so this week I would like to hear you all's thoughts on this dilemma and what step(s) you've taken to help stop/prevent it. Specifically:

- What causes the flock to start pecking/eating each others' feathers?
- What level of pecking is normal is what is not? (For new chicken keepers)
- How can you prevent/stop feather pecking/eating?

As a pre-cursor to the content below, I do not have any experience in dealing with feather pecking, feather eating or cannibalism. I live on the equator, so we have no winters or changes in daylight hours. As consequence, my flock ranges in the garden from dawn till dusk every day, thus having no break in routine. I am however, interested in chicken behaviour and I've done a little reading on the subject. It is only intended as background information. I have included the sources consulted as links.

- What causes the flock to start pecking/eating each others' feathers?
Temperature changes
Overcrowding
Temperament (individual / breed)
Sudden changes in feed composition
Temporary unavailability of water / food (e.g. frozen drinking water)
Unevenness of the flock in terms of size (weight) / colour
Parasite infestation (either of coop or birds)
Sub-optimal nutritional balance (e.g. mineral, salt or amino acid levels deficiency)
Use of vegetable protein in feeds
Inadequate foraging incentives - e.g. the use of pellets / coarsely ground feed reduces time spent foraging
Significant variations from a flock’s routine - limited ranging opportunities due to weather

Triggers to feather pecking are most likely to be the result of a combination of potential stressors.

- What level of pecking is normal is what is not? (For new chicken keepers)
Gentle pecking – part of the establishment and maintenance of pecking order and an essential part of social behaviour. Usually concentrated on the head / face area. Often observed as part of preening behaviour

Aggressive pecking – abnormal and persistent pecking and removal of feathers on the head (commonly seen in younger birds) or most commonly seen on the base of the tail, preen gland area, tail feathers, back or vent / below the vent pecking in adults

- How can you prevent/stop feather pecking/eating?

Ensuring sufficient coop and run space
Having sufficient feeding / drinking stations
Maximising the time the flock spends foraging
Provisions for dust bathing or use a friable litter than will facilitate it
Feeding high fibre, low energy diets (read the ingredients and proportions on the feed you buy)
Installing objects in the run / coop to "entertain" the flock (distractions)
Providing an object(s) that can be pecked at - e.g. a bale of straw
Add perches to the housing

Links

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69374/pb10596-feather-pecking-050309.pdf

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/1201/dietary-changes-can-reduce-feather-pecking-in-laying-hens/

http://articles.extension.org/pages/66088/feather-pecking-and-cannibalism-in-small-and-backyard-poultry-flocks

http://www.flytesofancy.co.uk/chickenhouses/Feather-Pecking-the-answers.html

http://www.nutrecocanada.com/docs/shur-gain---poultry/are-your-birds-hen-pecked.pdf

https://www.chooks.co.nz/feather-pecking-in-poultry-and-how-to-avoid-it

https://www.mypetchicken.com/backyard-chickens/chicken-help/My-flock-is-pecking-one-another-What-should-I-do-H89.aspx

http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/herdmed/applied-ethology/behaviourproblems/kcannibal.html

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/509825/how-to-get-chickens-to-stop-pecking-another-chicken

http://countrysidenetwork.com/daily/poultry/chickens-101/how-to-stop-chickens-from-pecking-each-other-in-3-easy-steps-pp/

https://pet.tips.net/T003999_Stop_Chickens_from_Pecking_Each_Other.html

 

[Mattiejill]

I have 9 hens and they have just been laying for about 2 wks. There is still a few that are laying an egg while roosting! They are small eggs and soft shelled tho so I get that it's because they are young still! However...I have a Wyandotte hen who is just beating up/pecking feathers from most all the other hens! Is this why some hens are still laying small eggs and not nesting right due to the stress of this? I don't know how to get her to stop! Is it best to just get rid of her?

 

[junebuggena]

I have 9 hens and they have just been laying for about 2 wks. There is still a few that are laying an egg while roosting! They are small eggs and soft shelled tho so I get that it's because they are young still! However...I have a Wyandotte hen who is just beating up/pecking feathers from most all the other hens! Is this why some hens are still laying small eggs and not nesting right due to the stress of this? I don't know how to get her to stop! Is it best to just get rid of her?

How big is your coop/run and how many birds?

 

[lazy gardener]

What JB said, and the answer to her question will also be needed in order to really provide helpful solutions. Further question to add to hers? What is the mill date of your feed?

 

[Mattiejill]

What JB said, and the answer to her question will also be needed in order to really provide helpful solutions. Further question to add to hers? What is the mill date of your feed?

 

[Mattiejill]