- May 7, 2013
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Good morning, we have five hens two are Buff Orpingtons, one Plymouth barred rock, and two araucanas. Four of the five are laying and they are six months old. I have one BO not laying but I expect soon she will. So my question is one of my BO is very sneaky about picking and eating the soft fluffy feathers off of the the other hens around the vent area. We have tried many things to stop her and so far no luck. We can't let them free range due to no fence around the property and many predators in the area. Also these birds are my children's pets so I can't cull her either. As for things we have tried: pinless peepers, adding things of interest to the run, and yesterday we added BOSS. She is mainly picking on one of the araucanas. She use to pick on both but one stood her ground and now is left alone. I am worried about the shy lovable araucana that won't stand her ground. Does anyone have any advise. Also the BO picking feathers is the one that is laying. She actually just started a few days ago but the feather picking/eating started about a week and half ago.