Picking on one chicken

[Heather67]

I have a group of chickens that were raised together from 1-2 weeks of age--August till now.. There is one who is always getting his top feathers picked out. We split the group up, gave away one that was doing some picking on the other chickens, but whenever this chicken's top feathers get about an inch long they get pulled out. He has never had top feather. NEVER. I am so frustrated. I do not know who is doing it, maybe it is several. I have tried Blu kote and Vetericyn, That made them pick more. Currently I have him seperated with some small but same age chickens. I am mad, frustrated and feeling like an awful mom. I don't know what else to do but put a helmet on the poor guy! His poor head looks like ground beef. I am just mortified!

 

[Shadowfire]

Oh so sorry he isn't doing well. What breed is he/the others? Are there any other roos?

 

[Heather67]

There are 2 Roos him and another but we have separated them before and it still happened. I don’t think it’s the other Roo doing it. If a bird got picked on it was this one. He is a Polish so I put him with another Polish and a couple of Silkies. All hens. Look at his head.

 

[BYCforlife]

Is it bleeding? Sorry, I can't tell.

There is a product called stop-pick, but it's not meant to be put on open wounds.

 

[Heather67]

It is dried blood. But the head itself looks red.

 

[BYCforlife]

It is dried blood. But the head itself looks red.

That makes it harder. I guess the only way to stop it is separate him, and once it heals put stop-pick or another product on his head for when you integrate him.

 

[Ms Clucky]

Have you checked the other chickens beaks. They might have dried blood on them. If so, maybe try putting those beak covers over them. I forget what they are called.

 

[Heather67]

Have you checked the other chickens beaks. They might have dried blood on them. If so, maybe try putting those beak covers over them. I forget what they are called.

i can't find any blood any where not even on the others but it could be long gone bc it happened i assume last night. I do know what you are talking about thought to put on their beaks.

 

[aart]

I would separate him until his feathers all grow back fully.
Forget the no pick stuff, as you observed can attract pecking attention.
Floppy tops are a target and also can blind the bird to oncoming attacks.

I'd look at space and diet.
How many birds in how much space?
Dimensions and pics of housing would help here.
Pinfeathers are full of blood and delicious(to chickens craving animal protein).
What all and how exactly are you feeding?

If so, maybe try putting those beak covers over them. I forget what they are called.

Never heard of 'beak covers'... maybe you mean pinless peepers?