PINE TAR Appliance

[Aw-Ee Chicken]

A couple of my hens pick on the others. I've received advice from several people that Pine Tar would give the attackers a bitter taste if they pecked the slathered hen.
But my question is this: How do you apply the Pine Tar? Do you just smear it all over the hen, or something?
I tried one hen that way, and she didn't like what I did. She preened herself and ate ALL of the Pine Tar! She seemed to enjoy it too.
What can I do to convince the hens to keep the tar on, and still put it on her right?

 

[azygous]

As you've discovered, pine tar only works on some chickens. I've used it, and my results were the same as yours. It's really not worth the mess involved. It's so greasy, and it attracts dirt, and it stains the feathers, looking awful. Most chickens are extremely offended at having it smeared on them.

If you do use it, you can apply it to those areas that appear to be a target for feather picking. I use a popsicle stick to spread it on. Or a butter knife would work, too.

 

[Aw-Ee Chicken]

I probably won't do it. My hens only get irritated. But thank you!