New Thread, old topic. Beak trimming

[billmac]

I have a dozen new buff pullets that I am introducing to my 15 RIR hens. The RIR hens peck each other pretty much bare (no blood, just down to the skin). They are free range, except at night, plenty of food, etc. The hens are still laying well so I don't want to cull them. Will a quick nip with toenail clippers inhibit pecking? I don't mean deep enough to hurt them, just getting the point off.

Thanks

 

[Fred's Hens]

I'd solve the pecking issue, rather than clipping, but that's just me. There are reasons for all the pecking and nipping won't change that. Just sayin'.

 

[TonySorrento]

I'd solve the pecking issue, rather than clipping, but that's just me. There are reasons for all the pecking and nipping won't change that. Just sayin'.

How would you solve it?

 

[Moonkit]

What method of introduction did you use? Did you just plop the buffs in with the RIRs? You might have better luck if you could put the buffs into a divided area where the groups can see each other, but not actually touch. Once they get used to seeing each other, the divider can be brought down and then you just need to watch that the settling of hierarchy doesn't get bloody.

 

[Fred's Hens]

What method of introduction did you use? Did you just plop the buffs in with the RIRs? You might have better luck if you could put the buffs into a divided area where the groups can see each other, but not actually touch. Once they get used to seeing each other, the divider can be brought down and then you just need to watch that the settling of hierarchy doesn't get bloody.

That.

Space, lots of space. There is far less tension if the birds can avoid one another during the hierarch establishment period. The fact is that some sub-flocks form and never truly integrate. Chicks brooded together always seem to prefer each other. It's only natural. They spent 6-8 weeks humped up, sleeping in a pile together. Having separate feeding and watering areas takes the pressure off integration as well. When cold weather comes and they need each for warmth, it is amazing to watch these differences melt away in the evening. Sometimes, however, at first light? They are often back at each other. The chicken will order its own society and no matter what we do, they will make these integration decisions.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Feather pecking to the point of hurting each other or removing gobs of feathers, is a flock in stress. Lack of protein, presence of parasites, etc. Address these issues as well. When all is said and done, there is a genetic taint to some birds for this. Old Timers often cull such birds. Just saying.

 

[billmac]

They aren't together yet. The buffs sleep in a big dog crate at night, the hens sleep in the coop. They range together during the day. They all have lots of space, protein, feed, water, etc. As far as I can tell, the pecking occurs during roosting. The hen being pecked just sits there and takes it, although there is plenty of roost room for them to move if they want. They prefer to cluster together. The easiest solution of course would be to cull all the older hens and just go with the buffs, but I hate to do that will hens that are still laying. I would say it is about 6 of the RIR hens that are excessively pecked, out of 15.