Ouch! Warning - yucky pictures

[buckeyejerseygiants]

I recommend the pine tar, also! Let any open wounds heal and then put the pine tar on. You can probably get it at farm supply stores as many people use it on horse hooves. We had a similar situation a few years back where in eight hours our 52 young chickens had gone after each other. I think about 10 had the feathers picked off their back and several were very bloody. I ended up chopping one because he was in such a bad state. Such a horrendous scene and it was literally mind-blowing how fast it had happened and we easily ruled out many of the common causes. Once the blood starts running they turn into crazed animals. I didn't cull anyone because I didn't know the culprit, but after putting pine tar on the baldies we have never had a single problem again.

 

[pnuts]

oh wow. could a cat or something have done that? i cant imagine a little peep causing that much damage but i guess it must have:[

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

What % protein are they on? Picking can mean they are lacking protein.

 

[Chickengal505]

Hmmm does not look like they picked it almost looks skinned...

 

[emys]

I think it's a very real possibility something got them through the bars of the cage...maybe you should wrap it in hardware cloth.

 

[Pineywoods Peepers]

I'm not sure that another creature could get through the crate?? I have both the exercise pen and the crate covered in bird netting with 3/4" squares, but I guess anything is possible.

I'll have to check the bag for protein levels. It's Purina STart and Grow, so I would guess protein levels are sufficient.

How does pine tar work? Does it just for a hard surface over the bald spots that keep the others from pecking at it?

The wounds look better today - not nearly as red or raw looking, but still pretty uck.

 

[buckeyejerseygiants]

It gives the skin some additional protection but it also discourages pickers because it tastes awful.

 

[sharol]

Lookmanoweeds - how old are the chicks? I know this is a bit off topic, but I have a Wellie chick, and I'd like to know for comparison.

 

[Pineywoods Peepers]

They turned 3 weeks yesterday. The Wellie with the picked clean neck is the largest of all my chicks.

Rachel

 

[Beth G.]

OMG poor little babies!! I hope they heal up quick!