pecking on the other chicks back

[texasviking]

I have three three chickens who have just started laying. The Americanas is pecking at the Wyandotte and Rhode Island Reads low backs at the tail feathers. Would application of some Roster Booster to this area be appropriate. Or, any other ideas out there??

 

[77horses]

Never heard of "Roster Booster" before.

But I believe something called blue kote will stop them from pecking them? It works with chickens because when they peck a lot, it can cause blood, and chickens are attracted to bright, red things, so they will peck it more and cause it to become more serious. If the blue kote is applied (WARNING: Use disposable gloves if you use it! I've heard it stains your hands really bad and is really hard to get off!

), then it will cover up the bright red and will stop them from pecking at the wounded areas.

Another reason is to just separate the two breeds completely, separate only the ones who are getting pecked on (and keep them in another coop or something, if you have one), orlet them work it out. Although if you let them work it out themselves (the pecking order, which is completely natural for chickens) and it gets too violent, then you will have to intervene.


Good luck and

You're gonna love it here!

 

[gritsar]

Skip the rooster booster, skip the blu-kote. Get yourself some good ol' fashioned pine tar. You can find it in the equine section of the farm store. Messy, stinky and difficult to work with, but the chickens won't come back for a second peck.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

I agree. Pine tar works pretty well for putting a stop to pecking.

.....Alan.

 

[texasviking]

Thanks for the help guys. It turns out that my 'rooster booster' that the country store sold to me is actually a pine tar product with several emoluents to help the area affected. Seems to be working so far on the two that are getting pecked. Good site here. Having fun with the three chickens - have 10 eggs in the last 8 days. Cheers