Pecking? Help please!

[txtammy]

I have 12 2 week old chicks. 4 barred rock, 4 americaunas, 4 Rhode Island reds. They have been doing great, but I just went out and all 4 of our Rhode Island reds have this on their back and the other chicks were pecking at them. I have separated the Reds from the rest of the chicks. What do I do? I have all 4 reds together now, separated from the rest. Please help! Thank you!

 

[Alexandra33]

One thing that I have done for our flock is to apply Blu-Kote, which is a blue stain that covers up any blood or red irritation on the chicken's skin. Unfortunately, chickens are naturally attracted to the color red, causing them to peck that area incessantly. This of course, only worsens the problem. Therefore, you could try using Blu-Kote to stop the picking.

 

[Folly's place]

Ouch! Get them healed up, and then make sure that they have enough space in the brooder, red rather than white light, room enough around the feeder and waterer, and again, enough space. If you can identify one bad actor, move her out. Mary

 

[txtammy]

It's already so hot here in Texas that I only had the brooder lamp on them for the first 10 days. (It's 90 during the day, 80 at night here) Is that not ok?

How much space do they need in the brooder? If I separate them into different spaces while they are young will they reintegrate ok when it is time to move them to the coop?

If there is one bad actor- does move her out mean get rid of her completely? Or just isolate her?

Ah! I'm stressed out! Thank you!

 

[txtammy]

I got some blue cote and they already looked so much better this morning. Thank you so much!

 

[Alexandra33]

Wonderful news! I am so glad that your babies are doing better.

-Alexandra33