i am dealing with the cannabilism/feather eating problem here too...I have a RIR who has decided that everybody's bumm is her treat. Two of my other chickens were pecked so badly the top layer of their backside split open. they are all terrified of Lucy now, she just seems to chase them around looking for an open bumm. The banties are safer as they are lower to the ground and cochins, lots of fluff still.
I have tried MANY things. bluekote, helps some with the other chickens joining in. Sunflower seeds did not seem to help. separating of course was good, kept Lucy away from the others for a few days. Gave her hamburger (cooked, decided she didn't need to be reminded of how good blood tastes) and she loved that of course. she also has had fried eggs. I really am thinking of re-homing her to my sister's farm where she has a rooster who will probably make her behave (and they are all free-rangers). mine unfortunately have to be kept in their run, too many eagles, dogs, hawks, etc.
The thing that helps the "bitten" birds the best really has been a combo of the bluekote and duct tape. The black and ee now are wearing duct-tape diapers that allow their vents freedom but cover the pecked area well. the other birds for some reason don't think this is attractive to peck at, so except for the "stalker" Lucy they are pretty safe and can be with the others. hopefully will heal and grow in new feathers.
does anyone know how long extra protein needs to be given before I will see benefit? I would estimate Lucy has had extra protein for about 4-5 days now, including the eggs and hamburger and sunflower seeds. She is a Jumbo egg layer, every day to every other day, so I would guess may be going through more everything because of that?
am also awaiting an order for the anti-peck spray from McMurray, that may help too. Would like to keep Lucy, but not at the expense of the others of course.
hope this helps someone else, and any other ideas/experiences would be nice too!
Pam
I have tried MANY things. bluekote, helps some with the other chickens joining in. Sunflower seeds did not seem to help. separating of course was good, kept Lucy away from the others for a few days. Gave her hamburger (cooked, decided she didn't need to be reminded of how good blood tastes) and she loved that of course. she also has had fried eggs. I really am thinking of re-homing her to my sister's farm where she has a rooster who will probably make her behave (and they are all free-rangers). mine unfortunately have to be kept in their run, too many eagles, dogs, hawks, etc.
The thing that helps the "bitten" birds the best really has been a combo of the bluekote and duct tape. The black and ee now are wearing duct-tape diapers that allow their vents freedom but cover the pecked area well. the other birds for some reason don't think this is attractive to peck at, so except for the "stalker" Lucy they are pretty safe and can be with the others. hopefully will heal and grow in new feathers.
does anyone know how long extra protein needs to be given before I will see benefit? I would estimate Lucy has had extra protein for about 4-5 days now, including the eggs and hamburger and sunflower seeds. She is a Jumbo egg layer, every day to every other day, so I would guess may be going through more everything because of that?
am also awaiting an order for the anti-peck spray from McMurray, that may help too. Would like to keep Lucy, but not at the expense of the others of course.
hope this helps someone else, and any other ideas/experiences would be nice too!
Pam
