MrsMacChicken
In the Brooder
I have a very small flock of birds which I will list in order of rank from top chook down. Gold Laced Wyandotte, Silver Spangled Hamburg, Crested Cream Legbar #1, Crested Cream Legbar #2. According to my husband...fatso, seagull, and the Pterodactyls!
I have listed the in order of rank deliberately. The GLW and SSH were chicks together and are bonded. The CCLs are sisters and were introduced to the flock when the original two were a year old. They share nesting box and roosts but after a year together still free range mostly as two pairs. All obey the top chook.
Now comes the problem. Lowest ranking chicken is literally hen pecked by her sister. She has a bare bum and a few neck feathers missing. The CCL #1 is definitely the plucker. She has also has a go at the smaller SSH who stands up for herself very well.
Although CCL #2 appears healthy and is laying well, she looks awful!
I have tried isolating CCL #1 from the flock but on reintroduction she starts the behaviour again. I have sprayed the plucked bird with purple spray to deter the plucker to no avail. I have increased the protein in their diet as the plucker eats the feathers.
How can I stop this behaviour or protect the underchicken from further abuse? Help!
I have listed the in order of rank deliberately. The GLW and SSH were chicks together and are bonded. The CCLs are sisters and were introduced to the flock when the original two were a year old. They share nesting box and roosts but after a year together still free range mostly as two pairs. All obey the top chook.
Now comes the problem. Lowest ranking chicken is literally hen pecked by her sister. She has a bare bum and a few neck feathers missing. The CCL #1 is definitely the plucker. She has also has a go at the smaller SSH who stands up for herself very well.
Although CCL #2 appears healthy and is laying well, she looks awful!
I have tried isolating CCL #1 from the flock but on reintroduction she starts the behaviour again. I have sprayed the plucked bird with purple spray to deter the plucker to no avail. I have increased the protein in their diet as the plucker eats the feathers.
How can I stop this behaviour or protect the underchicken from further abuse? Help!