New pullets, one bleeding from feather picking.

[cosmicmama]

I just picked up 6 new pullets two days ago, they are 17 weeks old. Five Buff Orpintons and one Brahma. When I got them home and took them out of their crates, I noticed the Brahma was missing a large section of feathers from her back. I wasn't sure if it happened on the way home (an hour drive) or at the farm where I got her (that man had a LOT of pullets).

In the past couple of days, I've noticed them all randomly chasing each other from time to time and occasionally pecking at each other. This morning, I found my Brahma (the one who already has a naked back) had a new spot on her wing and it was bleeding. Before I could even get her out of the run, I saw one of the Buffs peck at her wing three times.

I have a separate run and small coop for my older hens (they're three years old). They aren't in it because they are free-ranging in the backyard. I took the Brahma and put her in there by herself for the time being until I can figure out what to do. My old hens are going to need their bed back tonight, though. I don't know if there is one problem picker amongst the Buffs, or if all of them are picking on her. They all look the same and I can't tell them apart!

Should I segregate the injured pullet? What, if anything, should I do to her bleeding spot?

And should I try letting her run with the old girls? They are very sweet and I doubt they would hurt her. This is the first time I've had a feather-picking problems, I have no idea what to do. I've read it may be a protein deficiency. If that's the case, what should I feed them?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[annav410]

I would put Blue Kote on her injury as chickens will continue to peck at her injury and could kill her. I would keep her separated until she has healed enough that there is no bleeding or open wound. I would recommend using gloves because Blue Kote stains everything and is hard to get off! Once she is ready to be returned to the flock, I would suggest reading about introduction because it can be a bit tricky.


Hope she gets better soon.

 

[cosmicmama]

Thanks. Do you know if I can get Blu-Kote at Tractor Supply? That's the only place I have to get chicken supplies, and it's 20 miles away. I'd hate to make the trip if they don't have it.

 

[Oldmomma]

Hope things settled down for you but a little emergency note for you. Keep some flour nearby for clotting blood in an emergency for birds. Take some and put it on the blood to stop bleeding. Our bird vet in the usa always said to keep it on hand for emergencies. Then keep the bird seperate until it dries up. We had tropical birds and they often bite each other causing large feathers to bleed or got bites and having flour handy solved it. Also stypic pencils used by men to stop shaving nicks from bleeding does the same but everyone has flour on hand.