pecking?

[whatdacluck]

Hi folks, I haven't been around in a while but now I think I have a problem. My hens are happy enough as far as I can see. I feed them layers pelletts and leftovers from the table once a day. They seem to be pecking each others feathers, so much so that around the bottom some of them are red and almost raw. I have NEVER seen them pecking each other when they are in their run/pen. Therefore I have come to the conclusion that the roosts are too close together in their coop??? I intend on taking away the middle roost so as they are more spaced out at night. Has anyone else experienced this and am I doing the right thing in moving the roost?
Any help greatly appreciated..


Pat

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Hi, Pat! Are they allowed to free-range any? If you can keep their beaks busy with something like a head of cabbage suspended from the rafters of the coop, or a Purina Flock Block (can be purchased at TSC), then that seems to solve the problem. Sometimes they just get bored and peck each other. Also, what are you feeding them? You can try mixing in some BOSS (black oil sunflower seeds) or a handful of scratch grains in their laying feed to keep them interested in pecking at their food and not at each other.

 

[tammye]

yes have the same problem and alot of the feather plucking does occur while on the roost, have seen it with my own eyes, chances are those who have all their feathers are the pluckers. I have been trying to resolve this problem for a long time now, no luck yet

 

[Tamra]

Okay, I don't mean to steal this post but I am having the same problem. I have 7 hens no roos. All are EE's and 6 of them have VERY bare backs. Some even look bruised. The one hen with all her feathers seems to be the top girl but I have never witnessed pecking. However, I have seen a bird with feathers in her mouth once or twice but I do not know if it was the head bird.

As I mentioned I have 7 hens. They are housed in a 8X10 coop with a 18X24 yard with roosting branches and tree stumps. They no longer free range as my neighbors dog killed one. I am getting a new fence so I can put them back out and still keep them safe. I feed layer pellets, free choice oyster shell and table scraps once a day. I am also in the process of making a "salad bar" for them but for now I just have my 3 yr old pick grass and throw it in to them. Any help would be great.
What are these "sadles" everyone is talking about and how do you put one onto a chicken? Sounds like tricky stuff.

 

[Judy]

Some info on saddles:

http://www.backyardpoultrymag.com/issues/1/1-6/Joyce_Dixon.html

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=155123

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=167

In the last link they show how to make them simply by cutting them out of sweatshirt fabric or Polarfleece. I've made a few of these. Simple to make and to apply -- once you get your hands on the hen. I just do it at night when they are on the roost. Last winter I left one on all winter, not because she needed protection any more, but she'd had it since molt and i was afraid she'd be cold if I took it off.

Some threads on pecking and feather picking:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=34705
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=31291
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=36139
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=30486

 

[UrbanChickies]

I have the same problem too. I took the bully out and put her in a big dog kennel for a few days. Well, that few days seems to be not enough time. She's back at it again... I've read to separate the bully for a week or two, this should change the pecking order. I've yet to find out if this is true though...

Arlene

 

[Tamra]

Thanks for the info on saddles. I may try to get brave and make one. All of my birds seem to be doing well despite their naked backs. All of them are laying and eat, drink etc...
I read some people feel they may have a protine issue and cat kibble has been recommended so I think I'll try that as well. Can't hurt.
I anyone comes up with any more suggestions, I'm always willing to learn something new!
This is a great site