- Aug 6, 2012
- 24
- 1
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Greetings all,
My flock consists of 14 pullets: five SL Wyandottes and nine Barred Rocks. They were all purchased from a hatchery and brooded at the same time. The tail feathers are being pecked out of the Wyandottes, and now the feathers continuing up the backs. There is no blood, just red skin. This is my first flock of chickens (had guineas for many years) and I'm not sure what, if anything, I should do or look for.
I have not yet seen these two hens being pecked at, but assume the feather pulling is being done by the other hens. Based on the info from various "how to" books on chickens they have more than sufficient square footage in their coop and day yard.
The hens started laying about 6-weeks ago and have ample grit, calcium, high quality feed and clean water. I think the situation has gotten worse during the past week or so.
Is is possible there is some other problem with these hens? Should I cull them out of the flock, or just leave them alone.
Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
My flock consists of 14 pullets: five SL Wyandottes and nine Barred Rocks. They were all purchased from a hatchery and brooded at the same time. The tail feathers are being pecked out of the Wyandottes, and now the feathers continuing up the backs. There is no blood, just red skin. This is my first flock of chickens (had guineas for many years) and I'm not sure what, if anything, I should do or look for.
I have not yet seen these two hens being pecked at, but assume the feather pulling is being done by the other hens. Based on the info from various "how to" books on chickens they have more than sufficient square footage in their coop and day yard.
The hens started laying about 6-weeks ago and have ample grit, calcium, high quality feed and clean water. I think the situation has gotten worse during the past week or so.
Is is possible there is some other problem with these hens? Should I cull them out of the flock, or just leave them alone.
Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.