pecking problem!

[maryzee]

I have 4 hens, 3 isa Browns, 1 Hamburg. They are all about 9 months old and lived together since August. All has been fine until the last 2 weeks, the Hamburg started laying and since then the others have been pecking her, her tail and back is bald and scabby, she keeps getting small bloody wound. At night they seem fine as they all sleep on the perch next to each other. I have tried putting mustard mixed with Vaseline on her back, purple spray,giving them cabbages etc to stop them getting bored but I went out again this morning and noticed them trying to peck her again. I have no way of isolating the hen but even if I did I am concerned about introducing her again. Any ideas?
I also noticed she doesn't like to lay her eggs in the nest box like the others, she either lays on the floor of the coop or outside on the ground.

 

[dawg53]

Sounds like your Hamburg is at the bottom of the pecking order. She wont lay eggs in the nest because she's been picked/pecked on by the others while in the nest. Put some Vick's Vapor Rub or Rooster Booster Black Salve (not the Pick No More) on your Hamburgs affected areas, hopefully either product will stop the picking/pecking. Also, buy a mirror at a flea market somewhere and put it out in the pen, that will help distract your other birds. You can dump a pile of leaves in the pen, they love scratching and digging through leaves. Install a "chicken swing" like you see at a playground for children, that will entertain them as well.