Pecking One Another's Feathers Out!!!!

[brandyb]

I have 4 Partridge Rock Hens, they have a 240 sq ft run and about 120 sq ft nesting and roosting area. I have two hens that do not have any feathers on their back and around their tail feathers. I give them black oil sunflower seeds as a snack just about every other day, and i feed them laying pellets. They are all still laying and the missing feathers doesn't seem to bother them. I don't know what else to do. I've read that they will do that because of boredom but how do you entertain a chicken during the day. They can't fre range because of the neighbor's dogs, they do get out every now and then when are able to stay outside with them, and that's not very often being as we work ALL the time.

Any advice would be appreciated! I am considering getting rid the 4 I have now and starting over with a different breed, f I can stop them from pecking out one another's feathers.

PLEASE HELP!!!

 

[ChksontheRun]

Sounds to me like your rooster might be getting a bit amorous with your girls

 

[brandyb]

I don't have a rooster, i got rid of him because he jumped on me everytime I went in the coop. He has been gone for a while now.

 

[ChksontheRun]

oops sorry, your signature still says you have 1 rooster. Now I am not sure about your problem (and I thought it was such a good solution) . I wish you luck in sorting this out!

 

[jprice2ndlt]

what i did was hang a cabbage in the run just above where the hens could get it. they have to jump to get any. it has worked on my pecking problem cause they are more interested it they cabbage instead of one another

 

[sotelomary]

I had a similar problem. Two out of 5 chickens had feathers picked around their neck and butt. Mine had been in the 5 x 8 run for about 2 weeks because my veggie garden was starting to grow and I didn't want them to demolish it. Prior to this, they had been free ranging. I think being cooped up started the feather picking.

Well, my husband finally built me a large run where they stay all day. I also put Rooster Booster on them daily. I tried to do this twice but it was hard to find the time. I think this helps alittle bit but not as much as they claim. I also mixed their 16% layer feed with 20%. I also ordered pinless peepers from Randall Burkey. I have not put the peepers on since my problem is not getting worse. It wasn't too bad to start with. I think I have been able to contain the problem and feathers are starting to grow back.

I have heard that the pinless peepers work to break this habit. You need to leave them on 24/7 for 6 weeks. Don't worry they can still eat and drink and are just fine.

Good luck, hope this helps.

Mary

 

[brandyb]

Thanks! I will definitely be getting some pinless peepers. I really hope it helps,I feel so sorry for the ones that hardly have any feathers. I don't want to have to get rid of them because they are good layers and very friendly. They just walk up to me and let me pet them and eat out of my hand. Thanks again for the help. I am also going to try to hang some cabbage up and see what they think about that.

 

[brandyb]

I ordered some pin-less peepers last night, can't wait to get them. Maybe my babies will get their feathers back. Will they still be able to jump up on the roost if they can't see anything above them?

 

[Dora'smom]

My girls have been wearing their peepers for more than six weeks, and the peepers have really helped. I have noticed a lot of feather regrowth.
In the past few days I have noticed a couple of the girls missing feathers again, and lo and behold, Marsha-Lena pulled off her peepers. I plan on ordering more, as occasionally they do fly off when they are vigorously scratched at.
The birds fly up to their roost easily with the peepers in place.

 

[mrsgibber]

Can anyone suggest how to put on the pinless peepers. I couldn't get them on my girl to save my life! I actually gave her a nosebleed at one point.