No feathers

[Frank's chick]

Thank you for adding me to the Backyard Chickens. I have a flock of 18 hens. Several of my chickens do not have feathers on their backs and no tail feathers. I have seen some of the more "attractive" chickens attacking the others leaving them with bleeding sites where the feathers have been pulled out. How can I rectify this? The ladies look awful.

Thank you for your help
Kim

 

[chickengirl778]

Normally I would say you have an over-amorous rooster problem, but since it seems to be just picking, I would recommend separating the injured birds for a few days and treating their wounds so they have time to heal up. Make sure to give them a little bit of outside time, separated from the "mean girls" so they don't lose their spot in the pecking order. When they are looking better, put them back with the other girls. The "mean girls" are most likely pecking because they are attracted to the red color of the blood and skin. If they continue to be injured, separate the mean girls for a few days so they lose their spot in the pecking order. This way, they will focus on regaining their spot rather than annoying the others. Hopefully your girlies get better!

 

[aart]

Thank you for adding me to the Backyard Chickens. I have a flock of 18 hens. Several of my chickens do not have feathers on their backs and no tail feathers. I have seen some of the more "attractive" chickens attacking the others leaving them with bleeding sites where the feathers have been pulled out. How can I rectify this? The ladies look awful.

Thank you for your help
Kim

Welcome to BYC....sorry you are having troubles.
Sounds like a classic case of feather picking.
Yes, separating the bullies can truly help.

Knowing more about ...

your flock size(numbers, ages, genders),

your coop(size in feet by feet with pics),

and what and how exactly you are feeding,

might offer clues to if there is a solvable problem.

 

[sourland]

Good morning, Kim, and welcome to BYC. Do an on site search on Pin Less Peepers. They can be applied and then removed once feathers are regrown and hopefully this bad habit has been broken.