pickin' chickens

[lbidder114]

Hi chicken folks, I picked up 2 barred rocks(I think) they were living in poor conditions and their feathers are really picked on. They are in a small coop away from my main flock. Every time I go in there to check their food or water the peck me like crazy! I have seen them peck each other too. Is this something they may grow out of or should I get rid of them? I don't want my kids getting pecked or my other chickens! Thank you!

 

[Choco Maran]

If they where in a bad enviroment they may just be hurgary. Do you leave food out 24/7 for them. They see you as their provider and may want more food. Or they could just be happy to see you.

 

[lbidder114]

I have had them about a week, I give them crumbles, warm oatmeal and pasta, I hang lettuce in a suet feeder.. I feed them well so I'm hoping it will get better. I just want them to stop the feather picking. If they don't they can't go out with my main flock and I'll have to give them away.

 

[mrsc1951]

A week isn't very long to adjust to new surroundings, especially coming from a bad situation IMHO. I would give them a while longer and make sure they are getting a little extra protein. I would also try hand feeding them a bit to see if they learn to react to you differently. If they were in a bad situation, the human interaction they had may not have been positive either.

 

[lbidder114]

Thank you for the advice, I feel so bad for them. They will have such a good life here I hope they come around!