Pesky pecking peahen

[Velvalea]

I bought half siblings hoping for at least one hen. Sure enough the older one was a female. She pecked the crest off her brother's head! I sold him, as she was purchased as a companion for my adult peacock. She is six months old now and has now pecked HIS crest off! What can be done? She is also agoraphobic and will not leave the poultry house to free-range with the other birds.
Help, I think I may have purchased my dear boy peacock a total pain for a mate.
Victoria

 

[KsKingBee]

They sell 'bits' for this problem. They look like a metal ring that is clamped to the nares that fit between the beaks and keeps them from feather picking. There are also 'peepers' that are plastic blinders that attach with a plastic pin that goes through the nares. I recommend the bits.

 

[old biddy]

They sell 'bits' for this problem. They look like a metal ring that is clamped to the nares that fit between the beaks and keeps them from feather picking. There are also 'peepers' that are plastic blinders that attach with a plastic pin that goes through the nares. I recommend the bits.

Very interesting. I was wondering if my peafowl were "feather pickers" and what I could do about it. They had lost some neck feathers and so I fed them "Feather Fixer" for awhile and now the feathers are coming back in slowly but surely. Have you ever used "bits" on your birds?

 

[KsKingBee]

I have never needed to but I should have some on hand in case I ever do. Feather picking is worse in High Spauldings and Greens but you will also it in young birds that are overcrowded and those with inadequate roost space or that are not getting enough protein in their diet. Also, a lot of feathers will be lost on their backs from 'roost fighting', that is when they go to roost and everyone wants in the same space. They will walk all over each other removing lots of back feathers. Lice can also be another cause of feather loss,