Pecking problem.

[LibbyR]

I have a molting hen that is getting pecked by her mates. I've dealt with this before and the other two had to be given away cause there was no acceptance even after they were healed. I would like for this not to happen to this hen. I currently have her separated in a cage outside the coop but close so they can all see her. Is there anything I can do to help them accept her back after she is healed from the pecking wounds?

 

[Flock Master64]

How big is the space you're keeping them in? How long has the molting hen been part of the flock? If she is new pecking is normal and most likely go away once she's been accepted into the flock.

Chickens can be aggressive when it comes to feeding so the more feeders the better.

 

[LibbyR]

How big is the space you're keeping them in? How long has the molting hen been part of the flock? If she is new pecking is normal and most likely go away once she's been accepted into the flock.

Chickens can be aggressive when it comes to feeding so the more feeders the better.

She isn't new they've all been raised together since they were chicks. The coop we have is supposed to be able to house 6-8 standard sized birds and there are six (including her) currently in the coop.

 

[Flock Master64]

They could be pecking because they need more protein and they get that from her feathers. But if they're only pecking the one hen I doubt that's the reason.

The most probable reason is showing her who's boss. The best solution for this is probably more room, possibly free ranging. That way they all have the space they need and can't corner the lower flock members and attack them.

 

[LibbyR]

They could be pecking because they need more protein and they get that from her feathers. But if they're only pecking the one hen I doubt that's the reason.

The most probable reason is showing her who's boss. The best solution for this is probably more room, possibly free ranging. That way they all have the space they need and can't corner the lower flock members and attack them.

. That would be great if they could free range. However they can't because we live in town so they have to stay in the coop.

 

[Flock Master64]

I thought that might be a problem.

An other solution is to keep them busy. You can give them chicken toys and frozen fruits to keep them from pecking each other.

 

[LibbyR]

I thought that might be a problem.

An other solution is to keep them busy. You can give them chicken toys and frozen fruits to keep them from pecking each other.

I may try that. Thank you for the suggestion.

 

[Flock Master64]

You're very welcome